WOCATI TO STRENGTHEN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES

With a growing awareness of plurality in theological education as a result of the changing faces of Christianity, and the reality of churches co-existing with other religions, members of the executive committee of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) affirmed their commitment to cooperate closely, share information and build collaborative networks to strengthen world-wide initiatives in ecumenical theological education.

Members of the WOCATI executive committee met from 1 to 3 May at the John Knox Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.

A global network initiated by the Ecumenical Theological Education office of the World Council of Churches in 1989, WOCATI promotes networking of theological institutions and ensures a continuing dialogue on theological education.

At the Geneva meeting, participants discussed how WOCATI can respond better to current developments in the field of education and to changing ecumenical landscapes. The participants also agreed to develop action-oriented plans, proposing renewal of WOCATI’s structural framework to increase membership and meet the expectations of its members.

The WOCATI executive committee members announced a conference on “Global Theological Education and Human Sexuality” which will take place from 16 to 20 June 2015 at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey. With its focus on how the theme relates to “justice and peace”, the conference will create dialogue among theological scholars, ecumenists, clergy and practitioners in theological education and health services.