The Centre for Ecumenism in Italy - ISTITUTO DI STUDI ECUMENICI SAN BERNARDINO

With the opening of its new residence, the Institute of Ecumenical Studies was adjoined in its activities by The Centre for Ecumenism in Italy.

The 'Centre' was officially launched on the 26th of November 2008 by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia President of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue, by Professor Roberto Giraldo (Order of the Friars Minor ) Dean of the Saint Bernardine Ecumenical Studies Institute of Venice, and by Professor Riccardo Burigana, Director of the 'Centre', appointed during the meeting of the Diocesan delegates for Ecumenism and Dialogue, Unitate in spiritu (Rome, November 25- 27 2008), promoted by the National Office for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

The 'Centre' hosted at the Saint Bernardine Ecumenical Studies Institute of Venice, proposes to enhance the knowledge of the history of Ecumenism in Italy, to offer opportunities for confrontation on dogmatic and pastoral issues in the Ecumenical field, to improve information on Ecumenical initiatives at a local level in Italy, to strengthen the connections between reflection and Italian Ecumenical procedure with the Ecumenical Movement, focusing on Europe and the Mediterranean area in particular.

From this perspective, the Centre for Ecumenism in Italy is committed to promote:

a) the collection, conservation and study of historical memory of Ecumenism in Italy by recovering written, audio, video documents from individuals and groups who have contributed and are contributing to the spread of the centrality of the Ecumenical dimension of Christian experience in Italy as indicated by the Church teachings;

b) historical-theological research projects in the Ecumenical field in order to favour the reconstruction of figures, events and moments in history and thought of Ecumenical dialogue in Italy;

c) moments of reflection and theological education in an Ecumenical perspective in light of Ecumenical dialogue, nationally and internationally;

d) information on Ecumenical activity in Italy, focusing on initiatives at the diocesan level.

Furthermore, the 'Centre' proposes to draw up writings instrumental to improving the acquaintance with Christian communities active in Italy and with individuals directly involved in the Ecumenical dialogue and in education and research in the Ecumenical field.

The 'Centre's' main collaborators are Brother Lazzaro Eissa OFM, Tiziana Bertola and Don Mario Barbiero.