Young theologians learn from the school of life

By Kristine Greenaway - Editor-in-chief, UGC

They come from India, Kenya, Malawi and beyond. At first glance,

their lives and contexts are very different. But the 43 students

in a unique theology seminar in the United States are quickly

learning that they share common challenges.

“I am concerned with how theology is used in my church to keep

women in the role of helpers,” says Sujanna Raj Seelam, a pastor

with the Church of South India in Chennai.

“By hearing the stories of women from Kenya and Malawi where

some churches will not ordain women, I learn that they share the

same concerns.”

Seelam is participating in the Global Institute of Theology

(GIT), sponsored by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches

(WARC). Students in the final years of theological studies and

recent graduates are engaged in an intensive programme of study

(4 – 29June) on issues such as interfaith dialogue and church

advocacy on social justice issues.

Thirty-three of the students come from the Global South; 10are

from Europe and North America. Ten students accepted for the

programme were refused visas by American immigration officials.

The coordinator of the seminar, Douwe Visser, head of WARC’s

Office for Theology and Ecumenical Engagement, says the purpose

of the programme is to equip the next generation of Reformed

church leaders to participate in global ecumenism.

Part of the richness of the experience is the opportunity for

students to learn from each other through sharing personal

stories in worship and class discussions. Some of the stories are

deeply moving, says Visser, a Dutch theologian.

“A young Zimbabwean theology professor told us about faculty

meetings where they spend 15 minutes on business and the next two

hours on matters of survival,” says Visser.

Peter Wyatt, the GIT Dean, says his first experience with this

type of programme is “just great.”

“The GIT faculty from the Netherlands, United States, Nigeria,

Mexico and India are first-rate,” says Wyatt. “They are

encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning.”

The GIT budget is covered by global mission agencies and

churches in Europe and the United States and by contributions

from churches in the Global South who helped defraythe expenses

of their students.

On 16 June, the students and faculty travel south from Chicago

to Calvin College in Grand Rapids to witness the merger of WARC

with the Reformed Ecumenical Council to form the World Communion

of Reformed Churches at the Uniting General Council. The course

wraps up in Grand Rapids on 29 June.

“I felt I was too close to my own church’s tradition and thought

cross-cultural engagement would enrich my experience,” Seelam

says. “I am so grateful for this opportunity. I’m learning so

much.”

The Uniting General Council 2010 in Grand Rapids, United States

(June 18-28) marks the merger of the World Alliance of Reformed

Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council to form the World

Communion of Reformed Churches.

Contact: Kristine Greenaway

Executive Secretary, Communications

World Communion of Reformed Churches

UGC News Room – Calvin College - Hoogenboom Center Room HC 204

(Arial 10)

Cell phone: 1-616-826-5540 or 1-616-826-8636

email: kgr@warc.ch

web: www.reformedchurches.org (

http://www.reformedchurches.org/#_blank )