|
|
|
The Global Institute of Theology
The Global Institute of Theology (GIT) which is scheduled for June 4-29, 2010, in the United States, is an opportunity for young theologians to engage in a unique cross-cultural, ecumenical learning encounter. It is organized by the Office for Theology and Ecumenical Engagement of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). The Office for Theology and Ecumenical Engagement has now notified many students of their selection for the GIT. Those selected should complete this registration form (PDF) as soon as possible, and foreign students should begin the visa application process as indicated in the form. Return the form by email, which is the fastest and safest. After you send the form, the Grand Rapids office of the Reformed Ecumenical Council will send an invitation letter to the successful applicants who need a visa, and will list their names on the WCRC Uniting General Council official participants' list, a list that is posted to USA consulates around the world. Please allow a couple of weeks for this to be accomplished after you send the form. Students will meet in Chicago from June 4-17 and then move to the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids for June 17-29. While in Grand Rapids, they will witness the historic merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) to form a new body, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, during the Uniting General Council. The GIT gathers theological students for academic courses focussed on theological reflection about the key themes of the Uniting General Council and the work of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in the years to come. As a place of training for future ecumenical leadership, the GIT has as its objective the formation of Reformed theologians with a global perspective. The program features an international faculty of renowned academic theologians under the leadership of Peter Wyatt, former Principal of Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto in Canada. Wyatt has also served in the senior ecumenical position of the United Church of Canada. The core course will focus on the theme of the Uniting General Council "Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." In addition, four elective courses will be offered:
Seventy students, selected on the basis of academic level and ecumenical interest, will participate in the GIT. Of these, 60 per cent will come from the Global South and 40 per cent from the Global North. The GIT will not only provide classroom teaching. Students will have the opportunity as well to experience the local context of church and society life. This exposure will be fundamental for mission empowerment, bearing in mind that GIT students are future church leaders and as such will be part of the mission outreach of their church. The GIT is organized by the Office for Theology and Ecumenical Engagement of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). Registration information is available from warc@warc.ch or below: |
|