ABOUT IPSEC

The Institute for Peace Studies in Eastern Christianity (IPSEC) was established by Marian Gh. Simion based on his personal research conducted for over a decade on religion and political violence. The research was carried out in response to the growing need to develop peace studies curricula for Orthodox Christian theological schools from an interdisciplinary perspective. This approach involves primarily the disciplines of 'religious studies' and 'political science', as well as other disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, sociology, etc. The research was conducted in various capacities (ranging from doctoral studies, to writing, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising field education, lecturing, etc.), via institutions such as Boston Theological Institute, Harvard University, Boston College Department of Theology, Hellenic College, London School of Theology, Northeastern University, American Romanian Academy of Arts and Sciences, etc. Therefore, IPSEC strives to advance curricula development for peace studies in Orthodox Christian institutions of higher learning, and to offer strategic advice to religious leaders and policymakers in cases of conflict that involve Orthodox Christianity.

Methodology:
IPSEC proposes a research methodology that is interdisciplinary in nature and process oriented, focusing on inputs, pastoral process, and outputs. This process hopes to assist both the religious leaders and the policymakers in diagnosing how various factors affect the interpretation of sacred texts under conditions of threat and uncertainty, how religious symbols are used prior and during the conflict, and how various symbolic acts performed by the clergy during times of hostilities impact conflict escalation.

Objectives:
IPSEC’s short-term objectives include the raising of awareness on the necessity of developing peace studies in the Eastern and Oriental Churches. This includes careful research in identifying influential personalities from the religious, academic and political world to serve in IPSEC’s Board of Advisors. The long-term objectives represent IPSEC’s proposed work, as defined in the mission statement.

LOGO:
The logo of The Institute for Peace Studies in Eastern Christianity was designed as a circle of fire with the acronym “IPSEC” imprinted in the center, and a six-winged angel descending on the circle of fire. While the circle of fire symbolizes the perpetual dual power of religion–which (just like with the fire), can be used for good or ill–the angel symbolizes the Eastern and Oriental Christian understanding of peace as a divine gift, communicated through the angelic world or “Άγγελος Ειρήνη” (Angel of Peace.)

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