Mission Statement

The International Academy for Marital Spirituality is a non-profit organization, founded in Belgium in 1989 by Hubert and Aldegonde Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn and located in Sint-Genesius-Rode near Brussels, Belgium.

Drawing on and committed to the intellectual and cultural heritage of Christianity, INTAMS is dedicated to the study of and dialogue about the meaning and relevance of marriage in the context of contemporary society.

Working Principles

Academic & Interdisciplinary

INTAMS engages in academic study and dialogue, cooperating with universities and other academic institutions around the world. INTAMS promotes the interdisciplinary dialogue between theology and philosophy on the one hand, and the human and social sciences on the other hand, which all contribute to the understanding of marriage in its various interpersonal, social, and religious aspects and in its intrinsic spirituality.

Independent, ecumenical & international

INTAMS' work is characterized by academic freedom and its openness to honest and critical intellectual inquiry. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, INTAMS' approach is open to and includes contributions from all Christian traditions. INTAMS brings together scholars and research results from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Integrating theory & praxis

INTAMS' activities are maintained by and directed towards those who are engaged in the various professions and disciplines that study and support married life. INTAMS is committed to promoting dialogue and mutual exchange between researchers and practitioners, by fostering the integration of theory and praxis.

Activities

INTAMS Chair for the Study of Marriage & Spirituality

• Established by INTAMS at the Theology Faculty of the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, in October 2005.
• Carries out teaching and academic research in the field of theory and spirituality of marriage.
• Aims at advancing the status quaestionis and having a positive impact on the academic discussion of marriage and the family.

INTAMS Library

• Established by INTAMS in 1995 and located at the Theology Library of the Catholic University of Leuven since October 2005.
• Offers an international and interdisciplinary collection of books and journals pertaining to the field of marriage and related subjects.

INTAMS review - Journal for the Study of Marriage & Spirituality

• A semi-annual, international refereed journal, published since 1995.
• Documents new theological and philosophical trends in the various approaches to marriage and the family.
• Relates relevant research findings in the human sciences to the theology of marriage.
• Traces original approaches to defining and substantiating marital spirituality.

Events (seminars, colloquia, lectures)

• Aim at promoting the interdisciplinary and international dialogue and networking on marriage and its spirituality.
• Targeted at professionals as well as researchers and students in this field.

Research Projects

• Projects and publications on topics relevant to the field of theory and practice of marriage which advance the status quaestionis and contribute to the academic discussion and lived reality of marriage.