wfn.org | UGC Young theologians learn from the school of life

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Uniting General Council 2010 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = 
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /

> News Release

> 17 June 2010

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.

â??I am concerned with how theology is used in my church to keep women in the role 
of helpers,â?? says Sujanna Raj Seelam, a pastor with the Church of South India in 
Chennai.

â??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.â??

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 ? 29 June) on issues such as interfaith dialogue and church 
advocacy on social justice issues.

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

â??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,â?? says 
Visser.

Peter Wyatt, the GIT Dean, says his first experience with this type of programme is 
â??just great.â??

â??The GIT faculty from the Netherlands, United States, Nigeria, Mexico and India are 
first-rate,â?? says Wyatt. â??They are encouraging students to take responsibility for 
their learning.â??

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 defray the 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.

â??I felt I was too close to my own churchâ??s tradition and thought cross-cultural engagement 
would enrich my experience,â?? Seelam says. â??I am so grateful for this opportunity. Iâ??m 
learning so much.â??

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