Inaugural Annual SCD Lecture

The inaugural Annual SCD Lecture took place at the SCD headquarters on Wednesday, the 30th of April, upon the initiative of its Director of Research, Professor James Harrison. The internationally renowned speaker, Professor Brigitte Kahl (Union Theological Seminary, New York), presented on the following topic: "Gaia, Roma, and Ekklesia; Rev 12:16 critically re-imagined." Here is what Protopresbyter Dr Doru Costache, who took part in the event, had to say about the presentation:

"Professor Kahl offered insights into Rev 12:16, a verse usually ignored by scholars interested in ecologically-relevant scriptural passages. The speaker established important parallels between the imagery of an Earth that defends God's people in Rev 12:16 and the imperial imagery preserved in Miletus and Pergamon. In the light of these parallels, the speaker convincingly argued that Rev 12:16 constitutes a metaphorical statement on the alliance between Ekklesia and Gaia. Opened by the welcome message of the Dean, Professor Diane Speed, the night was concluded by the response of Professor Harrison and a lively session of questions and answers. I wholeheartedly congratulate Professor Harrison for this significant initiative."