The Melanchthon Institute welcomes visiting student, Itonde A. Kakoma, a first-year Master of Divinity student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. he will work on an independent study directed by Dr. Thomas H. Schattauer, Professor of Liturgics and Dean of the Chapel at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Itonde will reside in the Melanchthon guest apartment from January 3-27.
During a recent conversation between Dr. Schattauer and Prof. Timothy Wengert, the Melanchthon Institute's most recent resident theologian, Prof. Wengert shared that the liturgical life of Christ the King Lutheran Church is both rich and formative. An idea developed. Since Wartburg encourages students to be off-campus during the January Term, and Itonde is interested in bringing his research into conversation with the practice of lively communities of faith and worship, Dr. Schattauer suggested that he pursue a stay in Houston.
Itonde plans to spend his January Term focusing on the liturgical and ecclesiological thought and work of Wilhelm Loehe and the liturgical theology of Aidan Kavanagh, a contemporary Benedictine scholar and teacher. This reading and research is part of Itonde's larger project on liturgical practice in a post-modern context, which is his contribution to a Lilly-sponsored seminar at Calvin College led by the liturgical scholar Bryan D. Spinks.
In addition to academic research, Itonde intends to engage in critical dialogue with clergy and parishioners. A portion of his time here will be spent experiencing the manner in which liturgy informs, shapes and critiques the life of Christ the King Lutheran Church.
Itonde is a bright and engaging student, deeply interested in matters of worship and the church's mission in the contemporary world. With his family and personal ties to East Africa, he brings a multi-cultural and global perspective to his commitments as a Lutheran in North America. Please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome Itonde to Christ the King.