Endorsements
"The CTSC was for many students, the main significant ecumenical event in their spiritual formation. For some it was a first, and it nurtured an ecumenical posture for their future work and for the future of ecumenism within Canada. We neglect this at our peril."
The Very Rev the Hon Lois M Wilson, CC
Former staff at the Ecumenical Forum working with the CTSC in the 1980’s.
Former Moderator of the General Council of The United Church of Canada and retired Canadian Senator.
“As one who attended the first conference fifty years ago, I strongly support its continuance. The experience opened my understanding of Inter-Church relations, and the contact with several of those in attendance has continued over the years. The Conference made me aware of the many things we share, and enabled me to be more sensitive in my attitudes towards and contacts with other denominations. My attendance as a guest at the Fiftieth conference this year, confirmed the continuing value of this event.”
The late Very Rev. Dr. Harold Morris
Attended the first CTSC in 1954 in Montreal
Former Moderator of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada
Retired Presbyterian minister
“It is almost fifty years since I attended such a conference - among the many ways that this represented an advance on these years was that it was ecumenical both in its constituency and its planning. I was impressed by the place that worship held within the conference, and the intensity and creativity with which the participants prepared the spectrum of styles of worship. I was honoured to participate in French as one means of providing the linguistic diversity. One could sense the expanding of experiences, minds, hearts and spirit. A deeply encouraging experience.”
The Most Rev. Michael Peers
Former Primate of The Anglican Church of Canada
Former Ecumenist in Residence at the Toronto School of Theology
Invited to accompany the 2005 CTSC in Toronto
“When I was an undergraduate student in theology at Laval University, I was invited to attend the CTSC which was organised by the Forum with the help of a group of students in theology at Laval. I remember that the theme was about the meaning of Resurrection for today. It was for me one of my first oecumenical experiences and I can say that it has changed my vision as a believer, a citizen and a theologian. For this reason, I was proud to welcome the CTSC at Laval in 2002, as the Dean of the Department of Theology and Religious Sciences.”
The Rev. Dr. Marc Pelchat
Attended CTSC in 1972 in Quebec City
Dean of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Laval University
Former Dean, Faculty of Advanced Studies, Laval University
"In the fall of 1982 I had the pleasure of participating in a Canadian Theological Student's Conference in Ottawa. Those few days of learning, worship and fellowship with peers from a variety of Christian denominations became a springboard that continues to enliven much of my life and ministry today. I doubt I would claim so deep a commitment to the ecumenical agenda were it not for that wonderfully formative experience!"
Bishop Michael Pryse
Attended CTSC in 1982 in Ottawa.
Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Kitchener
“I can't say enough about how important this event can be in a theological student's education. Each activity of the conference involves different models of conversation: planning worship with one another, reflecting in small groups on a theme of common interest, etc... which opens up to a wider conversation inclusive of many different voices. This Conference is built in the same way that friendship is built! It also generates friendship among students whose denominations were at one time enemies. Some of them eventually become companions in their spiritual journey.”
Ms. Isabelle Dalcourt
Attended CTSC in 2002 in Québec City and was on the NPC for 2003 and 2004 in Toronto.
Faculté de théologie et de sciences religieuses, Université Laval.
“The Canadian Theological Student's Conference is a wonderful opportunity for seminary students of diverse Christian traditions from all across Canada to engage leading edge theological issues, benefit from the scholarship of the top theological thinkers of the day, share common concerns about faith and ministry and experience the vast variety and fullness of that part of the body of Christ which is uniquely Canadian. I came away with my vocational decision strengthened, and my sense of the inclusivity of the church enlarged. I heartily recommend it.”
The Rev. Dr. Cameron Brett
Attended CTSC in 1968 in Montreal
Retired minister, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
“Magnifique! Excellent! Voilà comment on se sent! It is the kind of event that challenges and lifts you up … It works like a braid, intertwined ...Participants, Content, Guests and Staff make those events hold together and memorable! N'hésitez pas à participer!”
The Rev. Dr. Pierre Goldberger
Attended CTSC in 1965 in Toronto
Former Principal of the United Theological College/Le Seminaire Uni in Montreal
Former Overseas Mission Personnel with the United Church of Canada in Guatemala
“The theme ‘The Church: Liturgical Community of the poor’ was powerfully explored by Jean Vanier, then just beginning his L'Arche ministry, and William Stringfellow, lawyer, civil rights activist and Episcopal layman. In the early 1960s, this seemed a whole new approach to doing theology. It was a privilege to hear these fine presentations and to meet students from all across Canada.”
Ms. Patricia (Earle) Bays
Attended CTSC in 1964 in Montreal
Teaches in the Anglican Studies program at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa
“The Canadian Theological Students' Conference was an opportunity for me to bring together my social and political views with theology. For me, theology doesn't just happen in books or academic papers--it emerges from the lived experiences shared in forums like the CTSC. The conference is an important element in the ongoing development of a Canadian contextual
theology and I hope it continues to be an annual event for theology students.”
Mr. Dale Hildebrand
Attended CTSC in 1987 in London
Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada
Principal at Hildebrand Consulting.
“I believe that any opportunity to share the theological training experiences of First Nations in ministry is a 'teachable moment'. My mission in the church is a 'reverse mission' and that is to bring a message from my theological and cultural perspective as a First Nations Christian woman. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with other women of my age group who are also in training but also to have the opportunity to speak with the younger group who may or may not have experience with meeting First Nations people.”
Ms. Jill Harris
Attended CTSC 2005 in Toronto and attented CTSC 2009 in Toronto.
Member of National Planning Committee for CTSC 2006 in St. John’s.
Elder of the Penelakut First Nation, British Columbia and graduate of the Native Ministries Program of the Vancouver School of Theology. Member of the Women's Interchurch Council of
Canada's national governing board.
“It was at the conference in Sherbrooke that I was introduced to Canadian theology students from across the country and from many different churches. It was such a wonderful introduction to the "larger" church for me. I was so naive about the church beyond my own immediate Lutheran experience. It was also inspiring to be introduced to students who were passionate about their theological interests and calling.”
The Rev. Bob Shantz
Attended CTSC in 1974 in Sherbrooke and on the NPC for CTSC in 1975 in Toronto
Formerly Lutheran Chaplain at the University of Toronto