What is the Ottawa School of Theology & Spirituality?

The Ottawa School of Theology & Spirituality (formerly the Ottawa Lay School of Theology) provides opportunities for people of all faiths and people of no particular faith to learn about, explore, and discuss theology and related topics. Our courses are designed for persons wishing to expand their knowledge of theology and discover their inner depths of spirituality. The School extends a warm welcome and assures you of a stimulating and enriching learning experience.

The School is sponsored jointly by the United Church, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, the Presbyterian and the Archdiocese of the Ottawa Roman Catholic Church.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the OSTS are:

1. To develop an intellectually alert laity who are informed about what the Church has believed and taught throughout the ages and is teaching at the present.
2. To work out carefully the meaning of our Christian faith and life in our individual lives and in our own times.
3. To aid and encourage dialogue among members of different faiths.

The School operates on Monday evenings (starting at 7:30 pm), for two ten-week terms per year (fall and winter).

The curriculum is organized on a three-year cycle, with each year emphasizing a particular theme:

• Year one: Old Testament and New Testament
• Year two: Church History and Doctrine; and
• Year three: Christian Ethics and Liturgy

Courses related to these three themes are offered in the appropriate years of the cycle, along with other courses of general interest. Students may take up to two courses per term.

Various forms of advertising are used (through churches, newspapers, etc.) to reach potential students; previous students receive course brochures by mail. About 140 students attended last year.