John N. Collins’ seminal work “Diakonia: Re-interpreting the Ancient Sources” (New York, 1990) exposed the need for a re-examination of ministry within the churches. Its impact to date has been most evident within diaconal circles where it has prompted further investigation into the role and relevance of deacons and deaconesses in the developing Christian Church. This book and Collins’ other books and articles challenge the traditional view that diakonia refers to an office of service to the needy, especially of service to the poor in a given community.
Beyond the diaconate, Collins claims in a recent publication to be recovering “the forgotten heritage of early Christian ministry.” Research – both his and that by scholars taking a lead from him – shows that deacons and deaconesses had important ministerial duties and responsibilities. They filled a significant mediatory role both across the network of Christian communities and as assistant-leaders.
Scholars in the field of Deacon-Studies from the School of Theology of the University of Eastern Finland, Morling College Sydney (Australia) and the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (the Netherlands) took the initiative to honour the work of John N. Collins on occasion of his 90th birthday.
Program
– Introducing John Neil Collins: From the Person to the Work, Dr Bart J. Koet chair, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology
– The New Testament Deacons, Dr Anni Hentschel, University of Würzburg, Germany
– On Patristics, Dr Edwina Murphy, Morling College Sydney
– John N Collins and a Paradigm Shift, Dr Anthony Gooley, Catholic Health Australia
– New Perspectives on Deaconesses, Dr Pauliina Pylvänäinen, University of Eastern Finland
– Collins on Deacons and Diakonia. The Reception of New Ideas, Dr Sven Erik Brodd, Uppsala University, Sweden
& a response by Dr John N. Collins
Practical Information
When: October 18, 2021, 9-10.15 AM (GMT +2) 8 AM London; 10 AM Finland; 6 PM Sydney; 2 AM Chicago
Where: Zoomsession
To register visit www.tiu.nu/collins