Awards

Established by the Institute’s advisory council in 2009, the Christus Rex Award annually recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Lutheran liturgical scholarship and renewal.

Thomas Schattauer, Ph.D., is this year’s recipient of the Christus Rex Award. 

Thomas H. Schattauer, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Liturgics at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, where he taught for 25 years and served as dean of the chapel. Prior to joining the Wartburg faculty, he taught for eight years at Yale Divinity School and Institute of Sacred Music. Thomas completed his doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame and holds degrees from Yale Divinity School and St. Olaf College. He is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has served congregations in Indiana and Connecticut.

Thomas has authored over 40 articles and essays in liturgical history, theology, and practice, including current matters of worship, culture, and mission in the North American context. His most recent efforts include essays on sacraments and mission, on the liturgical work and imagination of the 19th-century German Lutheran pastor Wilhelm Loehe, and the statement “On the Way to Full Communion: Thinking about Christian Unity from Liturgy” from an ecumenical seminar of the North American Academy of Liturgy he co-convened. Thomas was a participant in the work that led to Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006). He is a past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and recently concluded service as co-president of the International Loehe Society, which he helped to found.

In retirement, Thomas lives in Minneapolis with his wife and life partner of nearly 50 years, Paula Carlson. They enjoy the proximity of their grown children, Peter, Anna, and her husband Joseph, and two grandchildren, Jonas and Mina, and daily walks in the park with their dog, Lykke.

Since its founding in 1949, the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University has been a locus for liturgical renewal and innovation. Accordingly, the Institute strives to recognize and support new generations of leaders whose contributions enrich the study and practice of liturgy, assembly song, preaching, music, scholarship, and other endeavors that support the wider church.

Established in recognition of Lorraine (Institute director, 2004–17) and Gary Brugh, the award’s purpose is twofold: (1) to honor and encourage individuals early in their vocation and (2) to acknowledge significant gifts already made by these individuals for the good of the whole church through such activities as creation of content—writings, music, art, presentations, and more—that, among other considerations: nurture relationships within communities; demonstrate an ongoing commitment to education; and balance received wisdom with new and creative expressions.

Intended for individuals in the first 10–15 years of their professional careers (regardless of age or previous occupations), the award is presented annually at the Institute of Liturgical Studies banquet. It is designed to celebrate gifts, sensibilities, and capabilities demonstrated through faithful leadership and outstanding contribution to the liturgical life of the church.

The award is accompanied by a stipend of $500.00 to be used by recipients for continuing education at their discretion.