As an introduction to the Craigville Colloquy experience, watch this ten-minute documentary from the 2010 Colloquy — Surprised by Grace in Modern Film: Training the Eyes of Faith.
Every summer since 1984 (except during the Covid period 2020-21) the Craigville Theological Colloquy has met at the Craigville Retreat Center on Cape Cod. The gathering draws pastors, teachers, seminarians and lay leaders for a week of theological conversation and Bible reflection on a subject of importance. Broadly ecumenical, Craigville is a rare opportunity for rest, renewal and inspiration. Located in a secluded 19th-century village that overlooks Nantucket Sound, the Colloquy continues a tradition that began in 1872 when Christian churches in New England founded Craigville as a summer revival camp.
Look over these short videos on Craigville that were prepared in 2020.
Video on Flowers of Craigville
Video on Taizé worship at Craigville
Video on Views of Craigville
Learn more about the history of Craigville Village
The Colloquy is part conference, part retreat, and part vacation. The event usually begins with an ecumenical celebration of the Eucharist, and each day is framed with meditative services of the morning prayer & Bible reflection and night prayer – compline – in the evening.
Taizé Vespers, held on one night, is an opportunity for community singing and personal reflection and intentional silence. Vigorous hymn-singing supported by professional musicians is part of our 40 year tradition. Afternoons are free to explore Cape Cod or enjoy the famous Craigville Beach or simply rest, read or chat with others.
The Craigville Retreat Center is an Open and Affirming* ministry that welcomes all. A Certificate of Continuing Education (CEU) is available for participants.
* “Open and Affirming” is a designation in the United Church of Christ for ministries that are LGBTQ-affirming.
History
The first colloquy met in 1984, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1934 Barmen Theological Declaration. This was an act of resistance by Protestant pastors in Germany to the Nazi government’s attempts to subvert and control the church. That colloquy explored how the Declaration was still relevant to the church of the 1980s. Truly, and sadly, today’s Church still is confronted with groups seeking to control, subvert and divert.
Since then, each year a topic and leaders has been selected by a grassroots planning team of clergy and laypeople representing several Christian traditions. Over the past decades, presenters have included Catherine LaCugna (Roman Catholic), David Bentley Hart (Eastern Orthodox), Bishop Dwayne Royster (UCC), Ellen Charry (Episcopal), Mark Swanson (ELCA), Ron Cole-Turner (UCC), Marva Dawn (ELCA), Martin Copenhaver (UCC), Linda Hartke (ELCA), Gabriel Fackre (UCC), Lee Barrett (UCC), Reid Trulson (ABC) and many others.
Quick Look at Past Topics
[table id=1 /]