Waldensian Faculty of Theology in Rome

The 154th academic year of the Waldensian Faculty was inaugurated in Rome with the opening lecture given by Lothar Vogel, Professor for History of Christianity, with the title “'For all the days of our lives', the concept of penitence in the texts of the Waldensian barbs in the late medieval period”. The opening worship service was held in the Methodist Church of Via XX Settembre, Rome, with Dean Prof. Daniele Garrone giving the sermon. The academic year 2008-2009 opens with 4 new students (2 Methodists, 1 Lutheran and 1 Waldensian) plus 2 “annual” students coming from Germany. There are about 50 students in all working toward a degree in theology. The Faculty also offers a three year course in Biblical-theological science with about 200 students enrolled coming from almost all of the various Protestant churches in Italy, as well as the Roman Catholic Church. A doctorate course is also being offered, with the first doctorate given this year in the field of ecumenical, systematic theology. The Faculty also hosts the Melanton Center, a center for ecumenical studies founded in collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy.

On a sadder side, Professor emeritus Bruno Corsani, New Testament scholar at the Faculty from 1962 to 1994, died in Pinerolo at the age of 84. Internationally renowned for his biblical scholarship, Prof. Corsani graduated from the Waldensian Faculty of Theology in 1948, attended specialization courses in the Universities of Edinburgh and Basel, and started his academic career in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Evangelical Faculty of Theology. During his years at the Waldensian Faculty in Rome he was rector various times and from 1989 til 1992 directed the magazine “Protestantesimo”. He is the author of many books on the New Testament, in particular on the Synoptic Gospels, the Letter of Paul to Galatians, Second Corinthians and Revelation.

From press service NEV - Notizie evangeliche, 31 October 2008