Programme Info
A BRIEF REPORT OF ETE CONSULTANT:
ASIA AND PACIFIC
JUNE 2001 - MAY 2002
A. Wati Longchar
Introduction
As I began my work in June 2001, I was wondering how I would be a help
to keep the small ecumenical fishing boat moving forward in this vast lands and oceans of
Asia and Pacific with 50% responsibility for ETE and the other 50% for Christian
Conference of Asia. At one point I thought, it is like trying to swim across both the
Indian and Pacific oceans! Though our colleagues in CCA, and Ecumenical Centre in Geneva
and I live and work thousands of miles away from each other, we never had any difficulty
in communication. I always felt myself working in the same building. Thanks to Daniel S.
Thiagarajah and Heddy of FMU colleagues and Nyambura Njoroge, Magali Roussel and
Françoise Faure of ETE colleagues for their prompt, smart and timely advices and
suggestions all through the year and enabling this consultancy work an enjoyable and
challenging one. Special thanks to Ahn Jea Woong, Simon Oxley and all our friends for
their encouragement and support all though the year.
Apart from co-coordinating project requests from the regional
theological associations and their member schools, the consultancy work involves visit to
theological associations and schools to promote and encourage ecumenical formation, etc.
The responsibility also involves editing work. Although some programmes were disrupted
following the September 11 attacks in the USA, I was able to engage in the following
activities and programmes during the year.
1. Introduction to ETE work
Simon Oxley and Nyambura Njoroge extended an invitation to come to
Geneva in June 2001. After participating in the global consultation on "Networking
for Peace Education" at St. Clements, Belfast from June 18-24, 2001, I reached Geneva
on June 25. Four days of my stay with the team members at the ecumenical centre was very
enriching. Our colleagues spared their precious time to introduce me to the work of WCC
and EEF Team, especially to the works and dynamics of ETE. I returned to Jorhat on June 30
with much confidence and enthusiasm.
Ahn Jea Woong and Daniel S. Thiagarajah invited me to Hong Kong in July
and introduced me to the work of CCA. I was there from July 30 to August 2. During this
time, I had a privilege of participating in the Joint Staff meeting of the CCA and the
Federation of Asian Bishop's Conference. It also gave me the opportunity to learn more
about the programmes, strategies and plans for mutual cooperation between these two
ecumenical bodies.
2. Office Up-keeps
Within this year, the Tele-Communication Department in Jorhat changed
our fax number four times. It may sound strange to some of you, but that is how we survive
in the developing countries. Things are never done quickly and systematically. July was a
very busy month. I ran between offices and shops in connection to office up-keeps. It took
almost a month. I am thankful to the WCC for supplying all necessary equipments for the
office. Thanks also to the Eastern Theological College, Jorhat for providing a small but
comfortable office space for the smooth functioning of consultancy work.
3. Connection and Revitalization Work
In a vast region like Asia and Pacific, it is impossible to connect
ourselves with all the individual colleges. Strengthening and working through the regional
theological organizations becomes necessary. The first two months, I tried to establish
connection with the regional theological associations and revitalize some of the
associations like the Forum of Asian Theological Librarians (ForATL) and the South Asia
Solidarity Work that were not active for the last few years. Both networks are now making
good progress:
a) The ForATL: The Forum was actively engaged in publication work and
conducting training programmes in the past. Theological colleges in the region benefited
much from such activities. During the last few years, the Forum could not initiate much
activity due to lack of resources. Advocacy for the revitalization of ForATL is in
progress and the project which was submitted by the Forum to ETE Working Committee has
been approved. I hope with this support, the Forum will do some tangible programmes in
near future.
b) The Regional Committee on South Asia Solidarity Funds (SASF): This
Solidarity Fund was created by the WCC in 1977 to promote contextualization,
self-reliance, regional cooperation in Asia and ecumenical joint action in the field of
theological education. Activities are making good progress. The Regional Committee met on
December 17, 2001 at Dhaka (Bangladesh) and approved its working guideline and six
projects for the coming years:
Consultation for the Exploration of Inter-cultural Asian Theological
Methodologies. The Committee has approved a total of US $ 27,390 for this consultation.
Ecumenical Initiatives through Non-formal Research in South Asia. The
Regional Committee has approved a total of US $ 8913 for this programme.
Voices from South Asia in Contemporary Theological Debate. The
Regional Committee has approved a total US $ 10,000.
Travel Grant for Women to have Ecumenical Learning Exposure at
Bossey. The Regional Committee has decided to bear their travel expenses.
Publication of the Writings of Brahamabandhab Upadhyaya. The Regional
Committee has decided to contribute an amount of US$ 500 towards the project.
A Solidarity Visit to Pakistan. The Committee has nominated 3 persons
and approved a total grant of US $ 2,500 towards the travel expenses.
4. Visit to Associations
In this past year, I was able to visit the following associations of
theological schools:
a) ATEM Triennial Assembly and Workshop on Theological Educators of the
21st Century from October 15-20, 2001. The Association for Theological Education in
Myanmar (ATEM), consisting of 12 member churches and 27 theological institutions was
established on May 12, 1986 by the Myanmar Council of Churches. ATEM is an ecumenical body
which includes Higher Theological Education, Theological Literature Department and Myanmar
Theological Education Research Centre. It also includes Myanmar Church History Commission,
Theologically Trained Women's Fellowship and Myanmar Theologians Fellowship. The 8th
Triennial General Meeting and Workshop was held in Yangon where I presented two papers on
"Challenges for Ecumenical Theological Education" and "Teaching Contextual
Theologies from Ecumenical Perspective". 70 theological educators participated in the
workshop. The workshop concentrated on new ways of teaching methods. The ATEM has been
organizing such workshop for the last three years. I found such workshop quite relevant in
Asian context. In most of the schools in the region, one is expected to teach after B.D,
M.Th or Doctoral studies without having adequate exposure to appropriate teaching methods.
That is why many teachers fail to address the needs of students. I feel that theological
associations should initiate seminars and colloquia on teaching methodologies for
theological teachers.
The Assembly gave the mandate to work towards a relevant contextual
curriculum, work towards providing quality theological education and assists the Christian
Community with relevant theology to tackle the issues facing the church today.
I laid the foundation of Myanmar Theological Research Centre at
Seminary Hill, Yangon and later inaugurated the M.Theol. programme and delivered the
inaugural message. This being the first full-fledged M.Theol. programme of SEGATS-ATESEA
in the country made the event very significant.
I also met separately with the General Secretaries and staffs of the
Myanmar Baptist Convention and the Myanmar Christian Council
b) ATESEA Assembly from November 20-28, 2001: Along with Nyambura
Njoroge and Daniel S. Thiagarajah, I participated the ATESEA Assembly in Seramban,
Malaysia and was introduced to the wider circle of theological educators in the ATESEA
family. The Association of Theological Education in South East Asia was established in
1957 and it continues to provide accreditation services in 14 countries and coordinates
masteral programme of the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (SEAGST) and
co-ordinate doctoral programme of the member schools. At present the ATESEA has 91 member
schools. It was a very important occasion to learn about the history and work of ATESEA
and FTESEA. It was also a good time of learning and sharing stories of fellow theological
educators in the region. Dr. Yeow Choo Lak, the Executive Director of ATESEA who served
the Association for more than 20 years was given farewell during the Assembly. The
Assembly also welcomed Dr. Sientje Merentek-Abram from Indonesia as its new Executive
Director. We look forward working with her.
During the next four years, the Assembly has decided to focus on the
following areas:
Empowerment of women to work towards an authentic community of women,
men and children;
Diminishing theological-cultural divisiveness;
Theology and globalization, with special reference to the production
of contextual theological literature needed to enable us to grapple with this dicey issue.
c) The BTESSC Convocation: The BTESSCC annual convocation was held at
Aizawl, Mizoram from February 7-10, 2002. The Aizawl Theological College and Presbyterian
Church of Mizoram hosted the Convocation. 833 candidates received degrees in theology. I
conveyed greetings on behalf of ETE-WCC and CCA and shared some thoughts on ecumenical
theological education in Asia. I also participated in the annual National Solidarity Fund
Committee meeting during the Convocation.
5. Visit to Theological Colleges
Visit to Myanmar Institute of Theology and Holy Cross Theological
College from 15-20 October, 2001: The ATEM also arranged lectures in Myanmar Institute of
Theology and Holy Cross Theological College, Myanmar. In both schools, I shared the ETE
continuing concerns of faculty development and gender balance in theological colleges.
Visit to North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies
(NIIPGTS) on November 19: Besides delivering a lecture on "Emerging Tribal
Theology", I had a privilege of meeting faculty members and Postgraduate students of
NIIPGTS separately to share some of the ecumenical theological education concerns in the
region.
Visit to Duta Wacana Christian University, Yokyarkata in Indonesia.
After the Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS) meeting, I was invited by the Theology
Faculty of the University for a fellowship. I had an opportunity of sharing some concerns
of ecumenical formation.
Visit to Theological Schools in Sri Lanka from 17-19 January 2002: I
visited Sri Lanka to discuss priorities in Theological Education of the two
Serampore-affiliated theological colleges in the North and in the Central Province of Sri
Lanka. Over the last two decades, the Colleges in Sri Lanka have been going through much
difficulty due to ethnic war in the Island. A solidarity visit was felt to discuss in
order to find ways of strengthening the colleges. Programmes like Library Development,
Continuing Theological Education, Curriculum Development and Theological Research on
emerging contextual theologies were identified as areas where support could be extended.
During this visit, I also discussed on the use of National Solidarity Fund of Sri Lanka.
Both the theological educators and church leaders appreciated our kind gestures. Daniel
and I also visited NCC-SL office and met some church leaders.
Solidarity Visit to Pakistan - Christians in Pakistan have been
facing many hardships due to ongoing "War against Terrorism". The South Asia
Solidarity Fund Committee felt the necessity of visiting the churches in Pakistan to
express solidarity and initiate theological activities through the National Solidarity
Fund. Four persons including myself were requested to make the trip. However, Rev. Joseph
Ebenezer and I could not go due to visa problem. Bishop Barnabas Mondal of Bangladesh and
Ms. Meema Ghising of Nepal visited Pakistan from March 15-22, 2002. They met both the
leaders of National Christian Council of Pakistan (NCCP) and theological educators in
Pakistan and informed them about the Solidarity Fund. They have formed a National
Committee and will be meeting this month to plan future programmes. Christians in Pakistan
were very happy and appreciated the solidarity visit.
Visit to Theological College of Lanka : Along with some of the
participants who attended the consultation organized by the Regional Solidarity Fund
Committee, I visited TCL in Pilimatalawa. The College has dual affiliation to: the Senate
of Serampore and ATESEA. The College offers B.Th degree of the Serampore and M.Div and
M.Theol. programmes of ATESEA. I shared some thoughts on SA Solidarity work and continuing
ecumenical theological education.
6. Participation in Administrative Meetings
CCA Global Roundtable Meeting in November. It proved to be a great
opportunity to learn about the ecumenical partnership and resource sharing in God's
mission.
FTE Annual Meetings on December 13, 2001- New York: The Foundation
for Theological Education (FTE) in the United States is one of the major ecumenical
partners of ATESEA's work and ministry. Along with Nyambura Njoroge, I participated FTE
annual meeting in New York. We were given time to share some of the concerns of ecumenical
theological education and also theological education in South East Asia. The Committee
members appreciated our participation and assured us their continued support in future.
South Asia Solidarity Fund Meeting from 17-18 December, 2001 - The
Solidarity Fund was created to encourage and promote contextualization, self-reliance,
regional cooperation in Asia and ecumenical joint action in the field of theological
education among the churches in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. The
meeting was organized in Dhaka followed by one day seminar on "Challenges of Mission
in the New Millennium" participated by both the Protestant and Catholic groups in
Bangladesh. I had the privilege of presenting some thoughts on "Contemporary Trends
in Mission Theology" at this meeting.
The Continuation Committee for CATS IV met in Hong Kong on February 1-2. The group chose
the theme for CATS IV to be held in August 2003 in Thailand. The theme will be
"Rebuilding Community: Asians in Search of New Pedagogies of Encounter".
FTE-SEA Resource Commission Meeting from March 11-14, 2002 -
Singapore: The Resource Commission of FTE-SEA meets once in two years. The Commission
examines different project requests and allocates funds to the member schools of ATESEA.
It also processes and recommends funding requests from the Executive Committee of ATESEA
and its member institutions as well as other institutions and agencies engaged in
theological education in South East Asia. I found the invitation of ETE Consultant to this
meeting very important for three reasons - (a) It helps to understand the needs of
theological colleges in Asia and careful management of resources; (b) it helps both the
FTE-SEA and ETE to avoid duplication of works and programmes in the region; and (c) it
brings closer co-ordination and partnership between the ETE and other ecumenical partners
in the field of theological education.
ETE Working Committee Meeting from April 10-15 in Geneva. During this
year, more than 100 project inquiries and requests flashed in computer screen. Many were
incomplete and some were beyond the policies of ETE support. After careful screening, 28
projects were finally selected. Since we work within limited budget, the staffs were
compelled to make priorities even from that list. We selected 19 projects to be presented
to the Working Group. All the projects have been approved by the ETE Working Committee.
The South Asia Solidarity Fund Committee Meeting on May 1, 2002 -
Colombo: The representatives of the Solidarity Fund Committee met following the
consultation for the "Exploration of Inter-cultural Asian Theological
Methodologies". The members elected the following new office bearers:
Rt. Rev. Jebenesan (Chairperson)
Bishop B.D. Mondal (Vice-Chairperson)
Dr. Arthur James (Treasurer)
Dr. Samson Prabhakar (Secretary)
The members also deliberated on the future plan of the SA Solidarity programme and the
capital fund invested with the WCC.
CCA Executive & General Committee Meeting from May 11-16, 2002 at
Taipei - I highlighted some of the activities of my work during the meeting. It was a
great opportunity to learn about the churches' situation in Taiwan.
7. Participating in Programmes
The Congress of Asian Theologians III: The Congress of Asian
Theologians (CATS) met from August 6-11, 2001 at Duta Wacana Christian University,
Yokyarkata in Indonesia. "Visioning New Life Together Among Asian Religions" was
the theme of the CATS which brought about 120 Asian theologians, scholars and church
leaders from different denominations as well as religious backgrounds from Asian countries
and abroad. The gathering was truly ecumenical and timely. The proceedings of the CATS II
entitled Visioning New Life Together Among Asian Religions has been published in December
2001.
The Congress gave me the opportunity to meet some of the key persons of ForTAL and church
leaders and theological teachers from South Asia to discuss the need of strengthening such
regional networks.
Seminar on Post-Colonial Feminist Hermeneutics - In collaboration
with SATHRI and Aruna Gnanadason of WCC (Justice, Peace and Creation), we organized a
seminar from November 29 to December 2, 2001 in Bangalore, India. There were 16
participants representing both the Protestant and Catholic groups. The seminar deliberated
on the issue of feminist hermeneutics in the context of fast emerging globalization,
terrorism, fundamentalism, growing poverty and injustice. The group is working on a
National Consultation on "Recasting Women: Reshaping Theology" during this year.
NCCI-URM Staff Conference and National Committee from January 24-28,
2002, was held at the CSI Synod Centre in Chennai, India. It was the first staff
conference after the merger of URM with the NCCI in 1997. Some 57 participants
representing about 30 grassroots level organizations attended. Each participant shared
stories and experiences of pain, suffering, frustration, joy and hope in community. It was
a time of rededication and recommitment to work for the cause of the marginalized people
in society. I spoke on "Identity Issues and Challenges of Theology", especially
on the indigenous peoples' struggle in Asia and the need for URM to empower indigenous
people in their struggle for life.
Institute on Revisioning of Mission from February 15-28, 2002,
Nagpur. This institute was organized by the Centre of Human Potential Development, Nagpur,
India through the support of CCA. I delivered two lectures on the theme "Ethnicity
and Christian Mission. The participants were mostly grass-root level workers from India,
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Ecumenical Enablers' Programme from February 14-16, 2002,
Bangkok. 45 persons participated from all over Asia. I presented a paper on "Reading
the Bible with New Eyes - Indigenous People's Perspective: A Methodological
Consideration."
A Consultation for the Exploration of Inter-cultural Asian
Theological Methodologies from April 29 to May 3, 2002 - Colombo. This consultation was
organized by the Regional Solidarity Fund committee to evolve methodologies for doing
theology in multi-cultural context in Asia. Altogether 20 persons, including a participant
from the Catholic Church, participated in the consultation. 12 papers were presented and
the proceedings of the papers are in the process of publication.
8. Invitation for Lectures
The North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies
(NIIPGTS), Kolkata extended an invitation to deliver lecture on emerging tribal/indigenous
theology. Taking the advantage of my trip to ATESEA meeting in Malaysia, I came to Kolkata
two days earlier and delivered a lecture on November 19, 2001.
On November 20, 2002, I spoke on "Globalization - Challenges for
Churches in Asia" during the Ao Pastors' Retreat in Kolkata.
After the Regional Solidarity Committee meeting in Dakha, Bangladesh,
I had the privilege of sharing some thoughts on "Contemporary trends in Mission
Theology" on December 18, 2002, where both the Protestant and Catholic groups
participated.
Convocation Speaker - at the Trinity Theology College, Dimapur,
Nagaland on 19th April, 2002.
Convocation Speaker - at the Trulock Theological Seminary, Imphal,
Manipur on 21st April, 2002.
Participated in Ao Theological Association, Nagaland from May 24-26
at Mongkolemba.
9. Publications
I could not do much writing because of many travel engagements.
However, I was able to contribute a few articles and reflections in Indian Journal of
Theology, Journal of Tribal Studies, CCA News and Ministerial Formation. Apart from
helping Daniel in editing CTC Bulletin, I also helped in compiling a source material for
the course on Contextual Theologies for Bachelor of Christian Studies of the Serampore. I
also co-edited two books: (a) Equipping the People of God published by the Ao Theological
Association, Nagaland and Visioning New Life among Asian Religions published by Christian
Conference of Asia. The writing work on Indigenous People Theology in Asia is in progress.
I hope to complete it by October/November this year.
10. Advocacy
I could not do much advocacy in terms of fund raising. However, I was
able to find some resources from local churches in Nagaland, Singapore, Korea and USA for
partial assistance towards the living and travel expenses of 6 students. Expenses towards
the seminar on "Post-colonial Feminist Hermeneutics" were also received through
advocacy.
Conclusion
In my theological journey, I felt something missing between the church
leadership and theological institutions. I always longed for a better and mutual
interaction and supportive role between the church and theological schools in terms of
financial support, policy making and curriculum formation. This joint consultancy work of
ETE and CCA offered me many opportunities to share these concerns both with the leaders of
the church and theological educators. The responses were quite satisfying and encouraging.
Respectfully,
A.Wati Longchar
June 2002
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