Ecumenism of the Right Kind

Why I'm an Eighth Day Member & Why You Should Be One Too

by Hans Boersma

Feast of the Holy Innocents Slain by Herod in Bethlehem
Anno Domini 2019, December 29


IF YOU HAVE experienced an Eighth Day conference like the Symposium or the Florovsky-Newman Week, it would be clear why you should become an Eighth Day Member.

For those of you who haven’t experienced an Eighth Day event, let me give you a couple of reasons why I think you should be a member.

First, you can only spend your money once. You might as well spend it on something that is worthwhile. And obviously Eighth Day Institute is worthwhile. So spend your money on it! It’s very simple.

Second, for the most part academic conferences are boring. But when I come to Eighth Day Institute, to the bookstore, to conferences such as this one, I feel at home. It’s something for the life of the mind. It’s something for the life of the Church. And as Fr. Alexander Schmemann I think would say, it’s something for the life of the world. So if you are interested in the life of the mind, the life of the Church, and the life of the world, you should be an Eighth Day Member.

Third, the way I got to know Eighth Day Institute was through Eighth Day Books. I remember being at a conference in Chicago and there was this bookstore there with a large selection of books set up. Browsing through those books, I noticed three particular categories: the Inklings, the Church Fathers, and Orthodoxy. Each of these three scream participation. They are all about sacramental ontology. And since I write about sacramental ontology, how could I not support Eighth Day Institute!

Fourth, Eighth Day Institute facilitates ecumenism of the right kind. There are disagreements, sure. But there is no attempt at papering over those differences, at all. When you hear Erin talk about the life of Orthodoxy, he does not hide his Orthodox convictions under a bushel. And likewise, when you hear Catholic or Evangelical scholars they will tell you right up front who they are. I think that’s something worthy of support. At the same time, we all recognize that with all of our differences – and they are serious in some places – there is a recognition of a unity in Christ that somehow comes through, for which I am deeply grateful. So it’s ecumenism of the right kind.

And finally, until the end of the year it's half price for only 18 bucks. Come on, become an Eighth Day Patron today.

Contribute to Cultural Renewal by Sharing on Your Preferred Platform

In an isolating secularized culture where the Church's voice is muffled through her many divisions, Christians need all the help they can get to strengthen their faith in God and love toward their neighbor.  Eighth Day Institute  offers hope to all Christians through our adherence to the Nicene faith, our ecumenical dialogues of love and truth, and our many events and publications to strengthen faith, grow in wisdom, and foster Christian friendships of love.  Will you join us in our efforts to renew soul & city?  Donate today and join the community of Eighth Day Members who are working together to renew culture through faith & learning.

By Michael Simmon February 11, 2026
The Sisters of Sophia will gather on the Commemoration of the Great Martyr Theodore, Anno Domini 2026, February 17. Rachel Garton will present The Battlefield of Compassion: Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and St Verena . Sisters of Sophia When Every third Tuesday Where The Ladder 2836 E Douglas, Wichita Parking available behind Eighth Day Books Schedule Food, drink, and fellowship at 6:30pm Eighth Day Convocation & Lecture at 7:20pm Membership Required? No, but do consider joining the community! Learn more and join here !
By Michael Simmon February 11, 2026
The Hall of Men will gather Thursday evening on the commemoration of St Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, Anno Domini 2026, February 12. David Beutel will present on St. John Henry Newman. St. John Henry Newman (21 February 1801 – 11 August 1890) was an English Catholic theologian, academic, philosopher, historian, writer, and poet. He was previously an Anglican priest, and after his conversion to Catholicism, became a cardinal. Newman's beatification was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 during his visit to the United Kingdom. His canonization was officially approved by Pope Francis on 12 February 2019, and took place on 13 October 2019. Come and jo in us for the first toast of 2026 at the Hall of Men! If you haven’t seen a Catholic listen to the life story of John Wesley; if you haven’t watched a Protestant learn about Evagrius of Pontus; and if you haven’t seen Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant men sit around a table together and talk theology until midnight . . . then you need to come to the Hall of Men. When The commemoration of St Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, Anno Domini 2026, February 12. Where The Ladder at 2836 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214 Schedule Doors Open at 7 pm Food is served at 7:30pm Eighth Day Convocation at 8:30pm Presentation and toast by Derek Hale immediately following Convocation. Membership Required? No, but do consider joining the community! Learn more and join today here .
Close-up black and white portrait of an elderly man with wrinkles and a slight smile.
By Michael Simmon January 25, 2026
Reflections on the enduring validity of Malcolm Muggeridge's critiques of the media in the 1970s.
By Charles Hefling October 17, 2025
An Introduction to Charles Williams by Charles Hefling Commemoration of St Hosea the Prophet Anno Domini 2025, October 17
By C. S. Lewis & Charles Williams October 16, 2025
Commemoration of St Longinus the Centurion Anno Domini 2025, October 16
By Charles Williams October 15, 2025
by Charles Williams Commemoration of St Lucian the Martyr of Antioch Anno Domini 2025, October 15
By Charles Hefling October 14, 2025
An Introduction to Charles Williams by Charles Hefling Commemoration of St Cosmas the Hagiopolite Anno Domini 2025, October 14 
By C. S. Lewis September 5, 2025
by C. S. Lewis Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of St. John the Forerunner Anno Domini 2025, September 5
By Jason M. Baxter October 23, 2024
by Jason M. Baxter Commemoration of St Lucian the Martyr of Antioch  Anno Domini 2024, October 15
By Pseudo-Dionysios January 3, 2024
by Pseudo-Dionysios Commemoration of St Malachi the Prophet Anno Domini 2024, January 3
More Posts