Mennonite Graduate School in Europe, 24-26.01.2025
How can a non-violent theology of peace be promoted in Myanmar, where many have lost hope for non-violent resistance since the civil war erupted in 2021? What insights can a Christian theology of peace offer to those who have endured years of pervasive violence?
Furthermore, how can the vital role of women in peacebuilding in Colombia be highlighted when their stories and contributions often go unheard? What significance does the spirituality of women hold in the collective pursuit of peace?
Questions like these shaped our discussions during this year’s Mennonite Graduate School in Europe, representing just two of several research projects explored at the gathering. As a group of sixteen researchers from diverse fields, including theology, art history, and philosophy, we met for a weekend at Dopersduin in the Netherlands to discuss our ongoing research journeys. We examined our progress, identifying both achievements and current challenges, and explored how the group could provide constructive feedback to help advance participants’ doctoral or Master’s theses.
The Mennonite Graduate School in Europe offers young academics a framework for collegial exchange and joint discussions on research projects, particularly in the fields of peace theology and historical Anabaptism. Beyond engaging with the content of our projects, the gathering emphasized the importance of fellowship. Opportunities for reflection and connection were created through shared devotions, alongside discussions about upcoming conferences, publications, and networks. Participants enjoyed various chances to better connect with one another, whether during a leisurely walk through the dunes or over a cup of coffee.
As an integral part of the annual program, the Mennonite Graduate School in Europe mainly brings together the doctoral colloquia of the Centre for Peace Church Theology in Hamburg and the VU in Amsterdam. Participants collectively agreed to meet again next year, eager to continue their collective journey towards earning their doctoral, Master’s, or habilitation degrees.
Written by: Friederike Willhoeft, lecturer and PhD-candidate at the Center for Peace Church Theology at Hamburg University.
