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Travelling through memory lane: theological education in the World Council of Churches.

Article Excerpt
Abstract

The paper highlights crucial stages in the development of the programme on Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE) in the World Council of Churches which in its earlier incarnations goes back to the Accra Conference of the International Missionary Council and the emergence of the Theological Education Fund (FEF). In referring to the Oslo world conference on theological education 1996 some key areas of the mandate of ETE and of its future perspectives are developed, including its relation to the WOCATI network and its strategic importance for the WCC.

ETE Represents a Special Ecumenical Fulcrum

In my African culture, there is a proverb that says: "when you die, your ghost may not prowl around in the land of the living". In accordance with that word of wisdom, when I retired from ETE/WCC at the end of 1998 I decided that I would refuse all invitations to WCC activities. I have kept that almost rigorously. However, having received the invitation to attend the 4th congress of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) made me hover towards accepting this unique opportunity, because I realized that I cared passionately about ETE and its mission, sufficiently to do what it takes to secure ETE's furore. After reflection and prayer I have come to the conclusion that through all the changing scenes of life, ETE's ministry is still valid and crucial, especially in a divided world in which the Una Sancta is also sundered. Equally attractive was the prospect of meeting again my cherished friends and colleagues around the globe, especially Ofelia Ortega, Ross Kinsler, Sunday Olanyana, Dietrich Werner and Petros Vassiliades. I mention these names to make a deep point: the forum provided by ETE represents a veritable global platform and fulcrum of the ecumenical imperative of scripture. Never shall we cease reminding the WCC that when tensions develop in the WCC orbit, ETE represents the point at which theological educators and institutions across the divides and times are able to engage each other around the Word of God in dynamic and human ways. ETE represents the one wing of WCC which comes closest to the modeling of the ecumenical imperative, in spite of all the inevitable politicking in the ecumenical movement. This is a vocation and instrument where to destroy it would amount to cutting off the nose to spite the face.

Memory vis-a-vis the vitality and viability of ETE

My brief is to recall the story and meaning of ETE and take lessons for the future. As I see it, it is another version of what ended my time in Geneva: Viability of Theological Education and Ministerial Formation. (2) ETE's salvation and future lie with the word viability i.e. the ability to give...