ITMS - Introduction and Membership

International Thomas Merton Society

Bellarmine University

ITMS Introduction and Membership

The ITMS came into being in 1987 to promote a greater knowledge of the life and writings of Thomas Merton, one of the most influential religious figures of our time. The Society sponsors biennial conferences devoted to Merton and his work and supports the writing of general-interest and scholarly books and articles about Merton. In addition the ITMS awards regular grants to researchers and scholarships to youth. It encourages a variety of activities such as Merton retreats. Local Chapters and Affiliates of the ITMS across the world reflect a wide range of personal interest and approaches to Thomas Merton.

Randy Browning portrait of Thomas Merton
Gift to the Merton Center by Elizabeth Griffin Bonazzi and Robert Bonazzi

GOALS OF THE ITMS

To encourage research, study and reading of the works of Thomas Merton.
To promote the writing of both scholarly and popular books and articles about Merton.
To assist members in exploring the unique spiritual journey of Thomas Merton through shared insights.
To promote recognition of Thomas Merton as a spiritual theologian, a social critic, a catalyst for inter-religious dialogue, and as an important American literary figure.
To encourage and assist in the formation of local and regional chapters of the ITMS.
To promote communication among members through biennial general meetings, special meetings and various publications.
To assist in the designing of graduate and undergraduate courses on Thomas Merton in various disciplines of study.

ITMS Bylaws

ITMS MEMBERS BENEFITS

Members of the ITMS receive information on a continuing basis about events connected with Thomas Merton at international, national, regional, and local levels. Members receive The Merton Seasonal quarterly (which includes the Newsletter of the ITMS twice a year). Members can also purchase The Merton Annual at a special rate. Both publications contain articles and updated bibliographies giving members access to the most recent thinking abut Merton. Members are entitled to reduced rates for General Meetings and have access to the rich collection of Merton manuscripts, photos, drawings, and memorabilia at the Thomas Merton Center in the W.L. Lyons Brown Library at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.

Details about how to join the ITMS.

ITMS CONFERENCES

The ITMS holds a General Meeting every other year. These forums produce lively exchanges, spiritual renewal and new scholarly Merton research on an international scale. The twelfth general meeting was held in Chicago, Illinois from 9-12 June 2011 at Loyola University and the thirteenth general meeting is scheduled to be held in Fairfield, Connecticut from 13-16 June 2013 at Sacred Heart University.

ITMS RETREATS

In the year following an ITMS General Meeting, regional ITMS-sponsored retreats are offered during the fall and summer and are based on the theme of the last Meeting.