What Others Say

Below you may read what some former guests at Tantur have said about their time and experience of Tantur.

A teacher from the UK:

"I had long wanted to visit the Holy Land, but the normal ‘pious’ set of pilgrims was not my cup of tea. The Tantur visit was just the right mix of intellectual and spiritual…the community life at Tantur was extremely important for me, as was the opportunity to experience different forms of worship."

A couple from the UK who came to the Four-Week Summer Program:

"I would like to thank…all the staff and lecturers at Tantur for [providing] me a great experience which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Many of the bible stories have now come alive in a new way which I know will enrich my future ministry…I have come away with the strong sense of the need for Christians to be peacemakers…I very much appreciated the ecumenical atmosphere of Tantur, also the inter-faith dialogue between Jews and Muslims…[among the main highlights] were the experiences of real vibrant worship."

Roman-Catholic priest from USA who came to the Four-Week Summer Program:

"I was stimulated, informed, deeply moved, challenged, often physically exhausted in appropriate degrees. I can honestly say that I would not change one single element in the course."

Sister Superior of a religious order who came to the Three-Month Continuing Education / Spiritual Renewal:

"I now realize how closely related Jesus was to the land, and to the context around him - and this changes my understanding of what discipleship means. The image of Jesus changed during this time, his 'holiness' (in the stained-glass-window sense) became less important, and this is a strong challenge to my faith - and a challenge to the Catholic church I belong to."

Anglican priest and scholar who came for the Scholars' Program

"Tantur proved to be an extremely enjoyable and enriching total experience shared with Christians of other traditions, backgrounds and nationalities. I could have studied in one of the libraries in Oxford, London or Cambridge, but I'm glad that I chose to study in the excellent library at Tantur with all the attendant blessings of our time there."

Dr. Mary Tanner, ecumenical theologian, UK:

"Tantur provides a wonderful setting for scholars wanting to pursue their own research with its excellent library and research facilities, as well as access to regional libraries. But Tantur offers so much more. It opens up many avenues for exploration – ecumenical, interfaith, archaeological, biblical and opportunities to reflect on the contemporary political situation in the context of a stimulating and diverse community. The geographical location on the way to Bethlehem leaves a lasting impression. I was enriched and challenged by my time at Tantur... beyond anything I ever expected. I would recommend Tantur as a place for study, for reflection, and for personal growth."

John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto

"...ideally suited to the needs of theological scholarship. Its library is by far the best general theological library in the Middle East and the rival of many North American and British libraries. Congenial working space, easy access to specialized libraries in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. Tantur has an enviable reputation in leadership in ecumenical and peace projects, it has an excellent staff, and wonderful grounds. A steady stream of distinguished ecclesiastical, academic, and other visitors makes Tantur an ideal place to conduct high level research and discussion."