Jerome Berryman with Rabbi Michael Shire

As the academic and publishing arm of the Godly Play Foundation, the Center for the Theology of Childhood functions as a research center. It houses a library of over 4,000 books related to Godly Play. Some of the topics includes classical theology, mystical theology, philosophy (especially the existentialists), ethics, child development, Montessori, play, silence, laughter, tears, religious education, and the history of childhood. The archive houses a collection of Jerome Berryman’s publications and important historical documents related to Godly Play and the Foundation. The Center also includes a well-equipped Godly Play room nearby, hosted by St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in South Denver. Children of the parish gather there each Sunday.

The Center provides space for scholars to conduct continuing research into theology for children, with children, and about children for adults. The program for visiting fellows of the Center was inaugurated 2009 when Dr. Brendan Hyde from the Australian Catholic University was in residence for a month. His work resulted in the book, The Search for a Theology of Childhood:  Essays by Jerome W. Berryman from 1978-2009 (2013).  Many scholars from around the world have visited the Center since the beginning of this program.

Fellows travel to Denver to study at the Center’s library. The Senior Fellow of the Center, the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, or the Director of the Center, the Rev. Cheryl V. Minor, Ph.D. will be available to help orient the Fellow to the library and consult on the project. Depending on the project, the Foundation may consider helping the Fellow get the paper or book published.

The cost for becoming a Fellow is $500.00 per week. The Fellow will be responsible for his or her own travel, accommodations, and ground transportation. The Center is located in the Denver Tech Center. A wide variety of lodging options are available, including high-end hotels, less-expensive extended stay hotels, hostels, and Air B&B’s. Those interested in spending time at the Center as a Visiting Fellow should complete the application. The application asks for a brief bio and a description of the project the prospective Fellow hopes to start while at the Center. Browse the list of Fellows on the website for examples of the variety of projects you might consider. Applications are being accepted now.