Harris Institute
The Harris Institute is named in honor of Dr. Antipas’ parents, who were both dedicated educators. His father, Pastor James L. Harris, served as a high school English teacher for 34 years before retiring. His mother, Dr. Carolyn J. Harris, is a preschool teacher who holds a Doctor of Education degree in K-12 education. Pastor James and Dr. Carolyn also founded Christian Way Academy, from 1984 until it closed in 2014 (30 years). Antipas is a proud graduate of the former Christian Way Academy.
The Harris Institute is a platform that provides opportunities for lifelong learning. The Institute facilitates colloquies, workshops, seminars, forums, courses, and education collaborations. We are concerned about ongoing training on topics that implicate faith and the public square. Some of them are faith and economics, the role of faith in society, faith, and public health, and more.
Pastor James & Dr. Carolyn Harris
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." Albert Einstein
The Oxford Colloquy is a weeklong gathering at the University of Oxford dedicated to addressing our time’s most urgent and compelling questions.
The Harris Institute invites scholars, expert professionals, bishops, pastors, leaders, and ministers worldwide to participate in a truly transformative annual colloquy. The Institute convenes resident delegates at the University of Oxford for next-level discourse, lectures, and networking. The scholarly exchange and presentations will also provide delegates with insights to engage their colleagues and teams for greater organizational and community impact.
Oxford resident delegates receive a prestigious, not-for-credit, frame-worthy resident delegate diploma for this high-level, continuing education experience.
The Experience
Faith has undeniably held a prominent position in the public square throughout history. However, this position is currently facing unprecedented challenges. The emergence of diverse secular ideologies and the prevalence of religious nationalism have raised doubts about the influential role of faith in society. Reevaluating the significance of faith in the contemporary context is of utmost importance for posterity’s sake.
Resident Delegates experience the following:
1. Wrestle with these challenges through presentations, lectures, and discussions to propose opportunities and frameworks to reevaluate their roles in the intersection of faith and the marketplace.
2. Visit the hallowed grounds of Oxford University through tours.
3. Spend leisure time to continue discussions or visit nearby shops, pubs, and restaurants.
4. Convene in table fellowship with satisfying breakfast, lunch, snacks, and delicious candlelight dinners in the elegant and famed Oxford dining rooms.
Testimonials
“The Harris Institute’s Oxford Colloquy was an awe-inspiring experience. Lodging and outstanding catered meals were all provided. Topics were masterfully crafted together that allowed for a buildup of ideas and presented by a variety of acclaimed speakers. Simply amazing.”
Stefanie Joyce, 2024 Resident Delegate
Goals and Objectives
- Intellectual discourse on topics related to the role of faith in the public square.
- Institutional connections with other churches, businesses, and nonprofits represented at the colloquy.
- Building a network with influential Christian leaders and professionals globally across different occupations.
With the uptick of virtual learning, a short face-to-face time of theological exchange in the halls of one of the world’s oldest institutions is rewarding and highly valued by past delegates.
Apply to be a 2025 Resident Delegate
Join the cohort from March 31 to April 5, 2025, at New College. New College is one of the oldest colleges–founded in 1379–at the University of Oxford.
The theme of the Oxford Colloquy is “The Role of Faith in the Public Square.” Amid a global context of secularism(s), religious pluralism, and racialized nationalism, it is apropos that Christian leaders convene to ponder questions relevant to Christian witness.
The 2025 Oxford Colloquy will ponder: “Does God care about a world of suffering?” If so, “What is God doing about it?”
With the uptick of virtual learning, a short face-to-face time of theological exchange in the halls of one of the world’s oldest institutions is rewarding and highly valued by past delegates.
Application Guidelines
1. A Statement of Interest explaining why she or he would like to enroll in the 2025 cohort for Harris Institute's Oxford Colloquy. Statements of interest must include a clear reason the applicant would like to participate in the colloquy. Also, demonstrate a desire to participate in a) a rigorous conversation on crucial scholarship to advance faith in public life, b) a time of spiritual reflection, and c) social time for networking and informal theological discourse.
2. Submit your Curriculum Vitae.
3. One recommendation letter from a clergy or theologian.
4. Submit all documents to [email protected] within 30 days after submitting deposit.
5. Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $100. Upon acceptance into Harris Institute, your nonrefundable application fee will go toward your $500 deposit.
The tuition is $3,000. The balance must be paid by December 15, 2024.
* If you are a returning delegate, you should only submit the Statement of Interest, an updated C.V., and deposit. Returning resident delegates do not need to submit a recommendation letter.
