Peace Theology and Anabaptist Mennonite Traditions

28 April 2020, by Doris Franzbach

Greetings to students and faculty!

The Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam is now offering a new fully-accredited undergraduate minor in theology and Mennonite Studies. This international minor, “Peace Theology and Anabaptist Mennonite Traditions,“ is a perfect opportunity to study abroad in Europe for a full or partial semester.

Alongside the selection of interdisciplinary coursework in theology, history, cultural studies, philosophy, peace and conflict studies, Biblical studies, and ethics, there will be a rich program of excursions to visit historic Mennonite sites around the Netherlands, and there will be chances to see and work with rare books, art, and other cultural heritage objects pertaining to the nearly-500-year old history of Anabaptism in the Netherlands.

The whole program will be taught in English, and the courses within the minor can be taken as individual electives or as a whole minor. Auditing is also an option.

We are excited to begin spreading the news. Registration is already open for next year (*see the note below regarding COVID-19 considerations). This is also certainly a program to keep in mind for the years ahead. More information and links for registration can be found at the minor website (https://minor.vu.nl/en/programmes-a-z/peacetheologyand-anabaptistmennonite-traditions/index.aspx) and in the attached flyer.

We especially welcome students who are interested in taking these courses as part of a study abroad experience. Our teaching team and the Vrije Universiteit’s International Office are committed to working with staff at interested partnering institutions (e.g., universities or colleges with relevant Mennonite-focused study centres or programs) in order to develop the connections that will support easy international enrolment and collaboration.

*COVID-19: We recognize that the current border lockdowns and travel restrictions make registration for this coming fall complicated; however, if universities are running as usual by then, these programs will be on offer here in Amsterdam. If online teaching rules are still in effect in the Netherlands, we will be adjusting the courses to an online format for this fall. So, international registration remains open.

Please feel free to share this news with any students or faculty members who may be interested in hearing more!

Do you have questions about the program? Please email me at friedenskirchen@theologie.uni-hamburg.de

Best wishes!


Prof. Dr. Fernando Enns

Poster