The Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem lays on two Summer Courses of a month long each year, one in June, one in July. Details of these courses can be found on their website. They also run shorter courses at different times of the year. The British Trust which exists to promote the work and profile of the Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem offers each year a substantial grant of £2000 to up to ten individuals who are in theological training (either as lay people or potential ordinands) to attend one of the month long Summer courses. Occasionally the British Trust is prepared to award a smaller grant to someone wishing to attend one of the shorter courses (eg over Easter) on offer. You can find out more about the Ecumenical Institute by visiting their website Tantur Ecumenical Institute.
For some years the Trust organised generously subsidized groups of 30-40 for a study tour in July which ran at the same time as the July Programme. It has now decided to put its weight into encouraging participation in the June and July courses as providing a fuller sense of the world-wide church and its calling. You will see from the website that Tantur is firmly committed to an ecumenical vision of the gospel and how it is lived in the particular cauldron that is the Middle East. Tantur’s staff is drawn from a variety of backgrounds and skills and draws upon a wealth of local expertise and experience. It is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone preparing for Christian ministry.
You will see from the website that Tantur is firmly committed to an ecumenical vision of the gospel and how it is lived in the particular cauldron that is the Middle East. Tantur’s staff members are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and skills and Tantur also draws upon a wealth of local expertise and experience. It is an extraordinary opportunity for any one preparing for Christian ministry, either lay or ordained.
You will see that the grant will not cover the costs in full, large though it is. Applicants will need to be ready to pursue other sources of funding to the tune of around £1000, the outstanding cost of the course and airfare to Tel Aviv. You will also need some personal spending money during the month although all ordinary living costs are included in the course fee.
A decision by the British Trust about applications will generally be made at their early January meeting each year for the following Summer.
The British Trust is delighted that you are interested in pursuing what scores of people before you have found a life-changing experience. We look forward to receiving your application.