Iloilo: The need for revisiting Asian theology and theological education needs was stressed at a meeting of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) that ended on February 22 in the Philippines.
Genuine attempts of Asian ecumenical theological educators in the past in identifying “what is distinctively Asian as the critical Asian principle” in theology and theological education in the region need to be revisited by the contemporary theological educators, said CCA General Secretary Dr. Mathews George Chunakara.
He was speaking at the general assembly of the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), which was held at the Central Philippine University, Iloilo city. About 90 ecumenical theological educators from 62 ATESEA member institutions attended the March 20-22 assembly.
“Asian theologians have made significant and specific contributions with more Asian authenticity during the past several decades. However, what we are lacking today in Asia is sufficient contextualization in theology and still we are lagging behind in terms of finding distinctly Asian theology which could contribute to the universal Church,” Chunakara told the opening session.
“What is happening evinces more dependency to certain particular directions instead of sharing of rich experiences and resources within and beyond Asia,” he regretted.
The CCA general secretary added that the conference currently gives special emphasis on contextual theology, through which various programs are being carried out at regional and national levels to strengthen ecumenical theological orientation.
ATESEA director Dr Limuel Equina observed in his report that while Asia situations and contexts have changed since the association’s foundation, the fundamental challenge to theological education to address emerging needs remains valid.
ATESEA, founded in 1957 with 16 theological schools in Asia, now has a membership of 93 theological institutions in several countries and regions in Southeast and East Asia.
(Source: Christian Conference of Asia)