The Dominican Lay Scholars Community is an ecumenical Christian society organized:
- To foster the spiritual growth of its members
- To augment the intellectual resources on which the Church can draw for theological insight, careful analysis, and thoughtful articulation of the Gospel Message
Note: In keeping with the DLSC’s ecumenical character, the Church refers in this document to the assembly of all Christians and includes the denominational bodies and ecclesial communities to which they belong.
The DLSC is an organization specifically intended for Christian lay scholars at the university faculty level, in all intellectual disciplines, who are looking for:
- Resources for their spiritual development
- A theologically-enhanced understanding of their Christian Faith
- Insight into the ministerial value of their chosen professional activities
- The supportive relationships of a great religious family
- A family stake in the intellectual apostolate and scholarly legacy of the Dominican Order
Interested spouses are also most welcome to participate.
The DLSC offers two membership options and levels of participation. The first option is reserved for lay scholars who choose to follow a set of practices described below in the section on Membership Expectations, and who are not presently members of another ecclesial association with nearly identical purposes. A second membership option is available to scholars who wish to limit their role to participation in the theological discussions organized by the DLSC, and who may also be members of other highly similar ecclesial associations. On an invitational basis, participation in some DLSC activities is available to non-members as well.
The Dominican Lay Scholars Community is a self-governing entity, affiliated with the Order of Preachers, founded in 1216 by Saint Dominic de Guzman.