Untitled Document

Goals

There continues to be a growing interest in the origins and historical development of Christianity. The interests of both academic and religious institutions has prompted the MCECS to pursue educational opportunities that will benefit both communities.

We believe that it is essential to build partnerships with academic and religious institutions who are interested in supporting the goals of the MCECS. It is therefore essential that we provide resources and expertise in areas that are pertinent to those communities.

To establish Michigan as an international center of research in Early Christianity in dialogue with Judaic and Islamic studies.

To sponsor lectures designed to bring scholars from around the world to discuss topics relative to early Christianity.

To provide support for undergraduate and graduate education in Christian Origins at the University of Michigan.

To offer continuing education opportunities to community and academic institutions to enhance the legacy of early Christian history for today’s students and scholars.

To support the international activities of the Enoch Seminar and the Journal HENOCH, which brings scholars from around the world to discuss topics relative to Early Christianity.

Mission

The Michigan Center for Early Christian Studies supports the advancement and diffusion of knowledge in the academic field of Early Christian Studies at the University of Michigan and throughout the state.

History

The MCECS was founded in 2002 upon the premise of addressing the need of scholarly and dedicated attention to research in the field of Early Christianity at the University of Michigan. Since 2002 we have sought to promote the awareness and significance of the formative periods of Christianity from its origins in Judaism up to and including the rise of Islam. In 2005 the center took on a new venture in partnering with mutually interested academic and religion based institutions and began concentrating on ways to benefit community interests in early Christian studies. Presently we continue to strive for excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching to further advance study and knowledge through engaging in public lectures, discussions, and community involvement.

Non-Profit Information

The MCECS is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We rely on gifts of support to maintain our efforts. If you or your organization would like to make a donation towards the aims of the MCECS please fill out the enclosed mail in form. Please make checks out to Michigan Center for Early Christian Studies. We appreciate your monetary gift which is tax deductible.

“One cannot understand Western Civilization as well as the development of Rabbinic Judaism and Islam without the study of Early Christianity.”

-Gabriele Boccaccini, Ph.D., Professor of Second Temple Judaism and Christian Origins , University of Michigan