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Proper theological education is of strategic importance for the future of Christianity. So is ecumenical formation for the future of the ecumenical movement, according to a world report on the future of theological education.

Religious diversity is an unavoidable reality today – and an opportunity, according to the participants of an interfaith seminar held in July at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey outside Geneva, Switzerland.

More than 300 theological educators from all major theological education institutions of South Africa and a number of theological institutions throughout Africa met in the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University in South Africa from 22-26 June 2009 for the Joint Conference of Academic Societies in the Fields of Religion and Theology.

By Sara Speicher (*)

In one of the most far-reaching theological curriculum reforms worldwide, the Senate of Serampore College in Madurai, India has developed a curriculum based on three pillars: contextual education, interdisciplinary dialogue and social relevance.

In the context of rapid social and political changes in Eastern and Central Europe, some 37 leading representatives of theological and ecumenical institutions throughout the region gathered in Romania recently to seek more mutual cooperation and ecumenical commitment to ecumenical theological education.

Ideas for "bringing unity down to earth", "communicative action" and a "theology of the wilderness" were among the winning entries submitted for an essay contest on Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century. The winners, two women and four men, come from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Ecumenical theological education is of strategic importance for Christianity in the 21st century. This was the message coming from the IV Congress of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) held in Neapolis, Thessaloniki and Volos (Greece) from 31 May to 7 June 2008.

Amongst the widespread devastation disseminated by Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar theological institutions were not spared their share of damage and loss.

Firsthand reports on the extraordinary development of Christianity in Nepal and the growing need for improvements in theological education and participation in the ecumenical movement were all part of recent consultation on the future of theological education in South Asia.

By Annegret Kapp*

Writing to the general secretary of the Church of South India (CSI), World Council of Churches head Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has mourned the passing away of former CSI general secretary Dr Mrs Renuka Mukerji Somasekhar.

Six committed ecumenists, each with significant experience in specific fields of ecumenical endeavour, have been appointed to take up key leadership roles within the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC). The newly appointed staff members will head five programmes plus a planning and integration office, all of which are the result of programmatic reshaping following the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006 .

The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey has announced plans for a strengthened teaching faculty that will reinforce its position as a leading world centre for ecumenical formation and research.

Raising awareness about mental health among faith communities, sharing information on what they are doing in this area (best practice), and providing an ecumenical and inter-religious platform for learning on mental health in different regions will be the focus of WCC work on "mental health and faith communities" over the next few years.Â

Amidst the quiet vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva is a place that can seem an unlikely setting for the preparation of future church leaders. And yet the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey has been a unique international centre for Christian dialogue and learning for six decades, since its creation in 1946.

Members of central committee were able to visit the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, just outside Geneva, on Sunday 3 September, and to learn more about the work of this unique establishment.

A collection of articles by HIV/AIDS authorities, experts and practitioners, the latest issue of the World Council of Churches (WCC) periodical on health issues, CONTACT, offers a comprehensive, state-of-the art overview of current issues and new technologies in the area of AIDS prevention targeted as much towards concerned church leaders and members as towards health professionals.

"Ecumenical cooperation in evangelism should regain a high and visible priority" in the World Council of Churches (WCC), said a group of mission specialists  participating in a seminar held at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey from 6-12 June.

Now available in electronic and printed format, the WCC Annual Review 2005 is an illustrated account of WCC programmes and activities over the year. The Annual Review also contains key information on WCC member churches, governing bodies, finances, publications and other resources.