Laurent Cleenewerck

Laurent (Laurence) Alain Cleenewerck (born 1969) is a a professor of Applied Sciences and Theology for the Euclid University Consortium and a presbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (2004), received in the Orthodox Church in America in 2007.

He and his wife currently reside in Northern California (2008).

Upbringing and Education

Cleenewerck was born in Montpellier, France in 1969 and spent part of his childhood in Connecticut. After earning a Baccalaureat C (Sciences) in 1986, he graduated from two national programs and from the University of Montpellier, France (Institut d’Administration des Entreprises) in 1989 with degrees in Computer Science, International Affairs, Finance (undergraduate BTS and DPECF) and Business Administration (European MS certificate). In addition, Cleenewerck has received several professional certifications in the field of Information Technologies, notably UnixWare Certified Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Trainer and Certified Technical Trainer.
He also obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute (Paris, France) and was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Applied Sciences (honoris causa) by the Université Libre Internationale (Brussels, Belgium) for his work in the field of bioethical reflection and diplomacy. He also pursued further studies at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 2002-2004.

Professional Life

Cleenewerck is currently professor of theology and applied sciences in the Euclid University Consortium. He is also engaged in public lecturing [ [http://www3.jeffnet.org/Calendar.asp?View=WEEK&Date=03/01/2008&SectionID=0 JPR Listeners Guild - Community Calendar ] ] , ministry, as well as further writing and research.Prior to 2004, he held managerial and technological positions in Paris and California while being active with various associations, notably in the field of refugee assistance and bioethics (Republic of Lomar Foundation, Human Bioethics Treaty Organization). He is still an advisory Board member for the International Organization for Sustainable Development.
Although retired from non-academic public activities, Pr. Cleenewerck is a member of several professional and academic associations, including the Institute for Physics, the North American Patristic Association and the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training.

Scientific, Diplomatic and Educational Work

After holding technical positions at IBM and Neurones in the early 1990s, he relocated to Silicon Valley, California and pursued work in applying Internet technologies to social programs. He was one of the co-founders of the Republic of Lomar Foundation, a visionary effort to renew the concept of the Nansen Passport which lasted until 2002. In 2003-2004, he also served as Secretary-General of the Human Bioethics Treaty Organization, a non-governmental organization dedicated to inter-religious and non-religious bioethical reflection.
His epistemological approach heavily relies on the primacy of the scientific method of inquiry, critical thinking and dialectical confrontations. Following John Polkinghorne and William Lane Craig, Cleenewerck is convinced that the convergence between science and theology provides for new avenues of dialogue, reflection and apologetics. He considers diplomacy an essential human activity with great applicability to all aspects of human life, especially religious dialogue.He is currently working on a collaborative effort to publish a popular-level presentation of a comprehensive theory of Digital Physics.

Theological Work

Cleenewerck’s main ideas are presented in his comprehensive study of the historical and theological causes of the current separation between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy (His Broken Body – Understanding and Healing the Schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches). Like John Zizioulas, he is an advocate of Eucharistic ecclesiology which he articulates as Holographic ecclesiology. He is a proponent of non-partisan ecumenical dialogue with the ideal of a return to the basics of pre-Nicene orthodoxy. His theological approach is influenced by the writings of Pavel Florensky with whom he shares a non-analytical acceptance of antinomies and a preference for a personalized experience of truth. Pr. Cleenewerck currently serves as editor of the EOB (Eastern Orthodox Bible).
He is also engaged in public debates and interested in constructive dialogue between Christianity and Islam.

Bibliography

- His Broken Body: Understanding and healing the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches (EUC Press / NewCity Press), 2008 - ISBN 0-615-18361-1
- [http://www.orthodox-church.info/eob/ EOB: The Eastern Orthodox Bible - New Testament(Editor), 2007]
- God = MC2: A retreat with the timeless wisdom of Albert Einstein, 2008?
- In a Cycle of Light: An anthology of homilies in honor of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, 2005
- A Handbook of Basic Bioethics: an HBTO Guide (Editor), 2004
- Meltdown 2000, 1999

References