Dr. Jeremy Bergen is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. He has researched and written on church apologies, martyrdom, ecclesiology, ecumenism, the Holy Spirit, and Mennonite theology. He is currently completing a book on Christian martyrdom and the unity of the church for Baylor University Press. He is the author of Ecclesial Repentance: The Churches Confront their Sinful Pasts, and several articles on church apologies for residential schools in Canada. He is a member of the Faith & Life Commission of Mennonite World Conference and the co-editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review.
Christian Martyrdom and the Unity of the Church
Guest lecturer - Dr. Jeremy Bergen
Lecture 1: The Ecumenism of Blood: Solidarity in Trying Times
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7:00pm, Champion College, 3825 Lee Gren Avenue, Regina, SK
We examine the basic claim that a history of martyrdom serves as a resource for ecumenism. By exploring the stories and legacies of some particular martyrs, we can see how unity and solidarity might be expressed, but also the challenges and tensions.
Lecture 2: Christians Killing Christians" Reconciling Violent Pasts and Conflicting Martyrdoms
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00pm St. Thomas More College, 1437 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK
We look at one major barrier - the history of Christians killing Christians. During the Reformation, the execution of fellow Christians was justified by some churches. How do we reckon with this history in ways that do justice to the past, and promote reconciliation and unity in the future?
Church Apologies, Rites, and Wrongs
Public Workshops led by Dr. Jeremy Bergen
Friday, January 23rd; 9:30-11:30am Wildwood Mennonite Church, 1502 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK
Saturday, January 24th; 9:30-11:30am Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 5020 Sherwood Drive, Regina, SK
As churches in Canada and elsewhere address their own legacies of complicity—in residential schools, settler colonialism, racism and white supremacy, hatred or religiously motivated violence against other Christians—many are issuing public apologies as one step along paths of reconciliation. In this interactive workshop, we will explore this practice and consider the implications. What can apologies do? What are some dangers, objections, and challenges? And what do apologies by church leaders mean for Christians and local churches in the ongoing work of repair and reconciliation?
