Mission Statement:
The Black Catholic Theological Symposium is a national interdisciplinary theological society of the Roman Catholic tradition.
The Symposium was established to:
a) foster among Black Catholics an ethical community of scholarly dialogue characterized by
(1) commitment to the fundamental humanity of all persons; and
(2) regard for the plurality of cultural, ethnic backgrounds and religious experience among Black peoples;
(3) the development of a theology which is authentically Black and truly Catholic;b) to publish reports, the Symposium’s discussions, and research of Symposium membership;
c) to encourage the teaching and discussion of Black Catholic religious and cultural experiences and though within the theology and/or religious studies curriculum of colleges, universities, and seminaries;
d) to encourage the identification and development of Black Catholic Scholars in the fields of Theology, Liturgy, Ethics, Canon Law, Church History, Biblical studies etc;
e) to enable the identification and development of theoretically grounded practitioners in the fields of pastoral ministry and religious education; and
f) to encourage theologically and theoretically grounded ministry and program development responsive to the needs of Black Catholics within the Church and society.
(See Article I of the Constitution- By-Laws)
Membership:
Full Membership is open to Roman Catholics of Black African descent holding doctoral degrees or their equivalent within the field of theology or related disciplines (philosophy, religious education, psychology, literature, history, sociology etc.)
Associate Membership is restricted to Black Catholic doctoral students and those who possess demonstrated scholarly expertise in areas of theology or related disciplines. A limited number of Affiliate memberships is extended to selected scholars and persons, both Black and non-Black whose research, writing and ecclesiastical appointments focuses on Black Catholics and who are nominated and approved by vote of the full members of the society. Request application for membership.
