PThU News
- Contaminated history in StellenboschDangerous Memories. To discuss this topic, researchers from the Protestant Theological University (PThU) travelled to meet their counterparts at their partner university in Stellenbosch, South Africa, for their annual joint consultation. In the South African context, dangerous memories quickly evoke thoughts of colonialism and apartheid. These forces not only shaped history but continue to influence the present. How should we deal with memories that pose a danger in today's world?
- Why pursue a PhD after studying Theology?There is a high demand for pastors in the church. You might expect theology students to immediately transition to a congregation after obtaining their degree. However, some choose to pursue a PhD. Why?
- International committee praises research at PThUThe PThU has received a glowing review from the international committee that evaluated its research over the past five years (2018-2023). The committee was chaired by Professor Geurt Henk van Kooten of the University of Cambridge. Among the praise, the committee highlighted the clear direction of the PThU, the "courageous decision" to consolidate operations in a single location, and the exemplary supervision of PhD candidates.
- International students graduate cum laudeInternational students Beatrix Biró and Norbert Nagy graduated cum laude in August. Beatrix Biró made a fascinating comparison between an exegesis and a bibliolog study of 2 Kings 4:1-7, to gain insight into how the latter broadens the horizon of understanding the text. Norbert Nagy's innovative research tried to (re)explore the traditions from the Gospels where Jesus might have been in touch with real slavery. Both are students from our esteemed Romanian partner institution the Protestant Theological Institute in Cluj-Napoca.
- Library services during PThU move to UtrechtDuring PThU's move to Utrecht, users need to take into account a number of temporary changes regarding services, borrowing books and the availability of the collection.
- IRTI Conference starts at Universitas Kristen Duta WacanaThe 15th biennial IRTI Conference starts today in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Around fifty theologians from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America will be collectively reflecting on the topic ‘Peace among the Nations: Reformed Theology and Geopolitical Conflicts’.
- PThU finds temporary location at Daltonlaan 200 in UtrechtAfter a short but intensive search, PThU has found a temporary location at Daltonlaan 200 in Utrecht. From 1 August, PThU will rent the fourth floor of this building. From 1 September, PThU will conduct its teaching activities at this location. The open stack of the library will also move to the basement. Teaching and research can thus take place at a single location from 1 September.
- PThU and Stellenbosch University intensify collaborationPThU and Stellenbosch University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Student Exchange Agreement (SEA) on Thursday 20 June in Utrecht. In doing so, they agreed on continued cooperation, student exchange and collaboration within PThU's Church and Slavery project.
- PThU and PGU sign lease agreement Janskerk UtrechtThe Protestant Theological University (PThU) and the Protestant Municipality of Utrecht (PGU) today signed the lease agreement surrounding the use of the Janskerk church in Utrecht. For a period of thirty years, the PThU will become the main tenant of this church. During this period it will make use of the Janskerk, alongside the Ecumenical Congregation.
- ‘Christianity didn't come out of the blue’For Lieve Teugels, her new full-time Judaica chair is a recognition. Of the importance of the study of Judaism within theology, but also of herself, as the first non-Protestant professor at the Protestant Theological University. She looks forward to making Judaism explicitly visible in teaching. ‘After all, early Judaism is emphatically part of Christian identity,’ she says.
- PThU renovation plans delayed, PThU to start at temporary locationPThU announced today that it will start its master's and premaster's education at a temporary location in Utrecht on 1 September 2024. The renovation of the building at Janskerkhof 12/Jansdam 14 will not be completed in time due to delays in the renovation work.
- 'This is the place where it needs to happen'Faith is always looking for forms to express itself in. And those forms in turn give direction to faith. With this conviction, Mirella Klomp has been working as a practical theologian for years. In April she started as professor of practical theology: worship and formation at PThU.
- Prof Klaas Spronk acting rector PThUThe Supervisory Board of the Protestant Theological University (PThU) has appointed Prof Klaas Spronk, currently professor of Old Testament at PThU, as acting rector of PThU from 1 May 2024. He will hold this position until a new rector is appointed. The General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands took up this appointment today.
- PThU appoints two new professorsThe Protestant Theological University has appointed two new professors: Dr habil. Mirella Klomp as professor of Practical Theology and Dr Lieve Teugels as professor of Judaica. The synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands reached a consensus decision on these appointments on Friday 19 April.
- PThU and ETF Leuven launch research on hope in agriculture and healthcareThere are several crises in the public debate on agriculture and healthcare, where the future is uncertain. In these crises, what is the role of hope? For example, what do healthcare providers and farmers hope for? In May, the Protestant Theological University (PThU) will start a four-year research on this subject together with the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF) Leuven. The research also pays attention to the role of hope in Christian theology. The lead researchers (Van den Heuvel, ETF; Olsman, PThU) have already collaborated on previous projects around hope.
- Mr J.P.H. Donner resigns as chair of Supervisory Board Protestant Theological University (PThU)The chairman of PThU's Supervisory Board, Mr J.P.H. Donner, resigns his position with immediate effect, thus ending his membership of the Board.
- PThU appoints Kinga Zeller as associate professor of Lutheran TheologyThe Executive Board of the Protestant Theological University (PThU) has appointed Dr Kinga Zeller as associate professor of Lutheran Theology. In doing so, PThU continues the tradition of theological research with a special focus on the uniqueness of Lutheran perspectives. The appointment takes effect from 1 March.
- PThU signs MOU with Middle Eastern Graduate ConsortiumThe Protestant Theological University and the Middle Eastern Graduate Theological Consortium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday 19 January. This MOU opens the way for collaboration between the PThU and the Consortium for the provision of contextually rooted doctoral degrees in theology for the Middle Eastern Region.
- 'Sad Holy Night''This year, once again, we find ourselves unable to gather together for Christmas', a phrase that rings true for our family and echoes among many of my friends. Being with our loved ones is a privilege in a country where daily life is overshadowed by somber reports from the war front and the relentless sound of air raid sirens.
- Maarten Wisse steps down as PThU rectorProf. Maarten Wisse is resigning as rector of the PThU with effect from 1 February 2024, he announced today. ‘My leadership style is not a good fit with the style of governance that the PThU is asking for.’ The PThU Supervisory Board and Executive Board chairman Kees Boele regret the rector’s decision, but have no choice but to respect it, while giving thanks for his many initiatives and accomplishments over the years.
