Contact: Lea Oksman, Institute of Ecumenical Studies, 38-032-240-99-40 ext 191, loksman1@gmail.com  

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Institute of Ecumenical Studies, based at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine is proud to announce the world's first Distance Learning Master's Program in Ecumenical Studies, offered in English. The program brings together an international ecumenical community of teachers and learners. Those interested are welcome to apply either for the FULL PROGRAM or for INDIVIDUAL CLASSES.

The program consists of rigorous, comprehensive courses of reading and writing, and the opportunity to write a Master's thesis, under the guidance of noted ecumenists from all over the world. Sample courses are Ecumenical Theology, Ecumenical Ecclesiology, and Bilateral and Multilateral Ecumenical Dialogues. The program is intended for students who are motivated to work independently while taking advantage of on-line opportunities for discussion with peers and teachers.

The inspiration to create a distance learning program in ecumenism comes from the nature of the field itself. Ecumenism and the ecumenical movement are driven by a desire to gather the dispersed people of God. Distance learning gives us the opportunity to gather from around the world those who are deeply concerned by the disunity of the Body of Christ, creating an on-line community that, in being educated together, engages critical questions and seeks possibilities for healing.

The distance learning Master's program in Ecumenical Studies offers a first step into the professional and academic world of ecumenism; a supplementary education for those working in other areas; and an opportunity for spiritual growth for all.

The Institute welcomes all to find out more about our program and to submit an application. Please visit us at www.iesdistance.org.ua, or contact the program coordinator at loksman1@gmail.com for more information.