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  • July 28, 2011

    Making the Rounds:   Wesley and the Dominican House of Studies

    Wesley Theological Seminary

    I met recently with President David McAllister-Wilson and learned about Wesley’s many programs and adaptive culture. It strikes me as a flotilla of ships navigating changing waters in theological education and ministry. Wesley weathered the recession well, and has moved to offer a “beyond residency” model of theological education, with block and some night courses, a January term, and increased hybrid learning with online components. It opened a new center for urban and public square education at Mt. Vernon Square in the heart of D.C., and has a large and innovative DMin program with various tracks. The student body is an ecumenical microcosm, drawing from over two dozen denominations, and the faculty is large, scholarly, and experienced in a variety of fields beyond the standard “core”: including sociology, religion and the arts, and ecumenics. Wesley also offers a strong continuing education programs and resources through the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Located right next to American University, Wesley is less than a 10 minute bus ride from Tenleytown Metro, and has parking (but sign in!).

    Dominican House of Studies

    Because the WTC offices are located at the Dominican House of Studies, I have met a variety of faculty members and staff, including Fr. Corbett in moral theology, Fr. Ryan in O. T., and the new librarian, Fr. Ruiz. I also had a wonderful visit with Dean Fr. O’Donnel to learn more about the school and its mission. The Dominican House strikes me as a sacred hermitage, with spiritual formation and theological learning go hand in hand. It is the oldest of the WTC’s Catholic institutions (1834), and it moved to D. C. during the formative years of Catholic University. The Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at DHOS offers a strong program in philosophy and theology, including traditional strengths in patristics, moral theology, Scripture, canon law, sacramental theology, and more, with a specialization in Thomistic studies. The faculty edit and are regular contributors to The Thomist journal, and they author numerous other publications. In their flowing white robes, they are also the best dressed of all the WTC faculty! The Dominican House has a splendid new academic center and library, with a gracious and welcoming staff. It offers various theological and ecclesiastical degrees. It is a 5 minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metro stop, on the Red line.