Exploring Faiths and Sacred Traditions

The mission of the Faith Learning Initiative is to provide opportunities for religious learning and spiritual growth, helping people know their own traditions better, understand more about the faiths of their neighbors, and live more thoughtfully and compassionately in a complex world.

The Faith Learning Initiative is an opportunity for people of any faith or educational background to study in a seminary setting. Topics range from Bible and spirituality to public and interfaith issues, and there are no admission requirements or pre-requisites to register. Faith Learning Initiative programs typically include short-term courses and single-session workshops and conferences. Semesters typically run during October and April-May of each year (with the exception of fall 2010), with schedules announced early in August and March for each coming semester. By clicking on the “Subscribe to Publications” link on the left, you may sign up to be notified as soon as each semester’s schedule is announced.

Share FLI events with your congregation.  Download this insert for your church bulletin.

Check out discussion on the FLI blog.

Fall 2010 Schedule

Biblical Storytellers Festival Gathering 

“I Will Open My Mouth in a Story: Jesus, the Jewish Storyteller”
with Dr. Ann Graham Brock

Wednesday, August 11 – Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ridgecrest Conference Center, near Asheville, NC
Contact the Network of Biblical Storytellers at (800) 355-6627 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information and to register.

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Experimental Worship Event

“Can These Bones Live? Reclaiming September 11th”
Saturday, September 11, 2010
6:30 pm information displays open
7:00 pm worship
Earth House Cafe and Lockerbie-Central United Methodist Church, 237 N. East St., Indianapolis
Cost: FREE & open to the public
Co-sponsors: The Worship Studio

What is possible in a post-9/11 world? Join us in taking on this question in an event open to people of all faiths and no faith as a diverse Christian partnership welcomes people of all backgrounds to an event honoring the sacred potential in all lives. Local musicians and other artists will lead the public in remembering significant events of September 11th and celebrating local partnerships which have responded to acts terror with acts of interfaith community-building and hope. The event will conclude at 7:45 pm for a post-event conversation about local interfaith community building opportunities.

Indy Talks: Converse. Connect. Create.

“An Evening with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert”
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Clowes Hall, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis
For more information, contact the Indiana Humanities Council at 317-638-1500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Hoosier Values: Young People Reconciling Independence and the Common Good”
Thursday, October 7, 2010
7:00 pm at CTS
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Noon at Lilly Auditorium, IUPUI University Library, 755 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis
Cost: FREE & open to the public
Presented by CTS in partnership with the IU School of Environmental Affairs and the IU Common Theme Project

Not all Hoosier values fit together smoothly. Rugged individualism often clashes with the common good. So do steady habits and hands-on innovation. Yet there are younger people in Indiana doing creative, cutting-edge work that reconciles these values while making a global difference. Join a discussion with these Hoosiers, some who “made it” elsewhere before returning home and some who never left, about how mid-western values can be reconciled to fuel innovation and a healthier life for all.

Wayne Zink left Indiana for the west coast, where he founded Endangered Species Chocolate (www.chocolatebar.com). He brought ESC to Indy in 2005, and they have been cited by The Better World Shopping Guide for social-environmental excellence. He is a partner in DZ Enterprises and president of the Back Home Again Foundation.

De’Amon Harges is Roving Listener at Broadway United Methodist Church. He is a visual artist and poet whose asset-focused organizing work builds community, economy, and mutual delight (see www.broadwayumc.org). He does consulting for community and religious organizations such as Partners for Sacred Places of Philadelphia.

Kelly Campbell is co-founder of The Village Experience and executive director of The Village Cooperative (www.experiencethevillage.com). She holds a BA in apparel merchandising/business and an MA in international relations. She lived in NY, Miami, South Africa, and Kenya, returning to Indy in 2006, where she promotes local to global connections throughout the city.

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Inclusive Church Workshop

Building an Inclusive Church
Friday, August 20, 2010 from 4:30 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $60 - FULL SCHOLARSHIPS are available!
Location: Room 166, CTS
To register or for more information: visit http://www.welcomingresources.org/communityorg.htm or call (612) 821-4397.

This training is designed for congregations and their leaders. We will help you to become a more effective leader in working with congregations on issues related to human sexuality and gender identity for the purpose of congregational discernment about God's call to become more welcoming and inclusive, particularly of LGBT persons. Topics include faith-based community organizing techniques, congregational conflict theory and resolution, managing change in congregations, building relationships for change, dealing with difficult conversations around biblical material, stereotypes, the "b" and the "t" questions, and opportunities to build relationships with others who share your concerns. Join us for these intense days of hard work, laughter, and fun.

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Saltsburg Distinguished Lecturer Series 

“The Bible and Eradicating Poverty”
with Dr. Gale A. Yee
Wednesday, September 29 – Thursday, September 30, 2010
FREE and open to the public.

Lecture 1: "Answering God’s Call: Bringing Justice to All"
Wednesday, September 29, 6:00 pm, Common Room at CTS
Explore the eight Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations and how faith-based communities are already involved with these MDGs. Dr. Yee includes reflections on biblical regard for the poor and marginalized.

Lecture 2: "Raising the Poor from the Dust: The Prophets"
Thursday, September 30, 1:00 pm, Common Room at CTS
Reflect with the stories of Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2 Kings and how these prophetic figures dealt with the harsh conditions of poverty caused by famine, war, and exploitation.

Lecture 3: "The Silenced Speak: Lessons from Biblical Women"
Thursday, September 30, 6:00 pm, Common Room at CTS
Explore how the MDGs relate to the song of Hannah (1 Sam 2), Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1), and to other biblical visions of empowered women.

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Faith-Based Domestic Violence Conference

“The SIN of Silence: Breaking the Silence Heals the Family and the Community”
Wednesday, October 13 – Friday, October 15, 2010
9:00 am – 3:30 pm, Wednesday & Thursday
5:00 – 9:00 pm, Friday
Shelton Auditorium, CTS
Cost: FREE & open to the public
Pre-registration is required. For questions or to pre-register, contact Not 2 Believers Like Us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (317) 923-7278 ext. 13
Co-sponsors: N2BLU (Not to Believers Like Us), Indianapolis Healthy Start, Indiana Healthy Marriage and Family Coalition, APT Technologies, Bright Ideas of Broad Ripple

Domestic violence is a cancer in our community that slowly devours the family unit by overtaking the minds, and at times the bodies, of its victims. In times of crisis, people will often turn to their faith and faith leaders for guidance; they are counting on their leaders to give them practical and spiritual advice that will save their lives and the lives of their children. As such, faith-based leaders must become educated about domestic violence in a way that will allow them to guide families in abusive situations toward safety and healing. This conference is designed to provide faith-based leaders with a holistic approach to addressing the issue of domestic violence within their congregations. This year’s Annual Conference has been designed with you in mind, allowing ample time for presentation and audience participation. Faith-based leaders should plan to attend this conference to learn how to responsibly and confidently embrace the vital role they have in the lives of families experiencing domestic violence.

Wednesday, October 13:  "Faith Partners Against Family Violence."

Thursday, October 14:  "Kid’s Day, Parents Only."

Friday, October 15:  "Five Stages of Healing, A Town Hall Meeting."

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Interfaith Storytelling Event

“Unexpected Guests at the Table”
Featuring Mr. George Kelley of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Dr. Marti Steussy of Christian Theological Seminary, and Mr. Khabir Shareef of Storyteller’s Drum Inc.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
6:30 – 7:45 pm storytelling event; 7:45 – 8:30 pm reception
Shelton Auditorium, Christian Theological Seminary
Cost: FREE & open to the public; suggested donation of a canned food good or monetary contribution to Gleaners Food Bank

Hear traditional and contemporary stories about feeding the hungry from Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions. Taking inspiration from both sacred literature and tales of hungry Hoosiers, audience members will also share their own personal experiences and connect with people involved in local hunger relief. Follow the blog for local stories of hunger and faith leading up this one-of-a-kind evening.

Co-sponsors: Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Gleaners Food Bank, Indiana Humanities Council and the Food for Thought Initiative, Interfaith Hunger Initiative, Network of Biblical Storytellers, Nur-Allah Islamic Center, Spirit and Place Festival, Storyteller’s Drum Inc.
This program has been made possible through a matching grant from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is part of Food for Thought, which engages Hoosiers in discussions about food and how it helps define Indiana’s culture. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this event do not necessary represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Indiana Humanities Council.

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Spiritual Growth Workshop

“Living With Loss During the Holidays”
Rev. Dr. Dan Moseley
Saturday, November 20
9 am - Noon
Room  B29
Cost: $25
Deadline: November 12, 2010
CEU Contact Hours: 3.0

In this workshop for caregivers, Stephen Ministers, congregational leaders, social workers, and anyone seeking continuing education or growth during difficult times, Dr. Moseley offers perspective on the challenge of living with loss during the holidays. Loss is a constant, but its pain intensifies during this season of festivities. Neither families nor congregations are immune. Moseley helps participants explore responses they can make to their own grief as well as to that of loved ones, neighbors and clients. By attending to pain and emptiness at this significant time of year, learn to explore the possibilities for your own life as well as for those in your community.

Dan Moseley is the Herald B. Monroe Professor of Practical Parish Ministry Emeritus at CTS. He has been involved in the development of Grief Healing, Inc. and has taught preaching and ministry skills throughout the United States. He is author of Living with Loss and Healing Relationships: A Preaching Model. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and holds a BD in ethics and a DMin in ethics from Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
7:00 pm
SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral
Cost: FREE & open to the public
Co-sponsor: SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral

Join faith leaders from across Indiana to share this community-wide interfaith service of Thanksgiving. With prayer and music from many different traditions representing the tapestry of our shared community life, this service allows us to give thanks together for the blessings of God with our community, our nation, and our world.

All religious leaders are invited to vest, if appropriate, and to join the procession. For more information, call (317) 634-4519.

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

“Our Beloved Community Multigenerational Festival”
Saturday, January 15, 2011
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
CTS
Cost: FREE & open to the public
Co-Sponsor: Peace Learning Center

A celebration of the legacy and vision of a man and movement that brought positive change to America through selfless sacrifice and non-violence. Learn peacemaking strategies, engage in community dialogues, immerse yourself in visual art, music, spoken word, film and art-making in the name of peace. Great for families!

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The 30th Annual Jewish-Christian Relations Conference 

"The Bible, the Middle East, Jewish-Christian Relations, and the Search for Peace and Justice"
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine
Monday, March 7, 2011
9:00 am – 2:30 pm (8:30 am registration)
Common Room, CTS
Cost: $35; $45 with lunch included
Deadline: February 28, 2011
CEU contact hours:  4.5
Co-sponsors:  Jewish Community Relations Council

Join us for this 30th anniversary celebration with the return of one of our most popular Jewish-Christian Relations Conference speakers. Levine will offer two lectures:  "Between Exegesis and Execration: The Bible and the Middle East” and "Between Advocacy and Anti-Semitism: Christian Statements on the Middle East."

Amy-Jill Levine is E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Graduate Department of Religion, and Program in Jewish Studies. A self-described "Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominantly Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt," Levine combines historical-critical rigor, literary-critical sensitivity, and a dash of humor with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies. She holds a BA from Smith College, MA and PhD from Duke University. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus and the fourteen-volume series Feminist Companions to the New Testament and Early Christian Writings.

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More Information and Registration

For more information or to register (unless otherwise specified): contact Joyce Weidner in the Office of Lifelong Theological Education at (317) 931-4224 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Location (unless otherwise specified above): Christian Theological Seminary is located at 1000 West 42nd Street in Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Contact us about The Faith Learning Initiative for even more interfaith learning happenings as well as learning opportunities for lay people!

Interfaith Youth/Young Adult Dialogues

In partnership with the International Interfaith Initiative, the Faith Learning Initiative is available to assist in connecting your congregation’s or school’s youth with local youth of different faiths through an on-going interfaith dialogue series.

Take Other Courses at Christian Theological Seminary

Consider auditing a semester-long course at CTS. For auditing students, CTS offers very affordable tuition and requires no paper-writing or test-taking. To request a schedule of courses that are open to auditing students, call the Office of the Registrar at (317) 931-2382.  More information on auditing at CTS. 

Speakers for Your Event or Congregation

We are also available to assist you in bringing specialists on Bible, spirituality, public and interfaith issues, and other topics of interest to congregation(s) in your area. Download our leaders and courses list  or contact Callie Smith at (317) 931-4225 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Share the FLI Schedule with Your Congregation

Download this insert for your church bulletin.

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Faith Learning Initiative Planning Team

LeRoy Boone, member of University United Methodist Church
Donald Curtis, member of Episcopal Church of the Nativity
Mary Ann Fadae, member of the Jerrahi Order of Sufi Islam
Stacy Hennessy, member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Karen Hobson, member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Dianne Isaacs, member of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Steve Mojonnier, member of Friedens United Church of Christ
Khadijah A. Muhammad, Islamic communities in Indianapolis
Andy Pike, member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Ginny Sheets, member of Whitelick Presbyterian Church

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Contact the office of Lifelong Theological Education at:
(317) 931-4224
(317) 931-2399 (fax)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it