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International Network in Advanced Theological Education (INATE)
Letter of IntentPreambleWe, the participants in this consultation. recognize that theology is contextual, global and ecumenical. In order to realize this vision new models of cooperation and learning are needed. As representatives from theological educational institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, we see the need for a cross-cultural, global approach to the new challenges to the theological education of the whole people of God and the various ministries of the Church. We therefore express our intention to enter into a network of advanced studies in theology, for exchange and cooperation based on mutuality and equality. The network is based on a common recognition of our strengths and competence, but also realizing our limitations. This cross cultural approach will provide a wider range of perspectives on doing theology out of the concrete experiences of people in our own societies and cultures. We have been together in this consultation in the conviction that the church needs advanced theological education in order to fulfill its mission. We realize, however, that the theology of our educational institutions is severely challenged by the deep changes in the life and conditions of our churches and societies. We therefore need to reflect critically together on how to do theology, theological education and formation. During the consultation we have experienced that, although we live in different contexts, there are some important common denominators in the challenges of our programmes of theological education. This concerns the relationship between theology and the daily life of our people struggling for dignity, justice and wholeness. We need to reflect together on: * how theological education can assist people to build community life in church and society * how theological education can foster the empowerment of marginalized people, the development of better life conditions and ecological responsibility * how theological education can contribute to justice, peace and reconciliation in churches and societies in conflict. Letter of Intent1. We, the undersigned theological institutions, intend to establish a network in which we recognize each other's academic integrity and degrees and seek to find ways of cooperating in the task of nurturing a global theological education. 2. We intend to cooperate in the following areas:
3. The cooperation is based on financial agreement to be negotiated between the institutions exploring the possibility of sharing resources. The institutions will also cooperate to seek financial support to implement the programme. 4. The network has a steering committee consisting of a contact person from each institution together with a coordinator. 5. Unresolved issues within the network shall be referred to the steering committee. 6. Institutions which want to leave the network, after it is formally constituted, may do so with six months notice. 7. Details will be worked out in the process of implementation and confirmed at a Consultation to be held from the 2nd to the 7th August, 1997 in Gurukul, India. Steps Towards Implementation:1. This Consultation asks the Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo and its partner institutions to assume the task of coordination until the 1997 Consultation, when this issue will be reviewed. 2. Each institution will be asked to recognize and respond to the Letter of Intent and to formalize this agreement through a Statement of Cooperation based on it, to be ratified by each of the institutions of the network within three months of the 1997 Consultation. 3. The Coordinator in Oslo will work out a questionnaire about structure, grading and examination at each institution and systematize the answers for distribution and comment. 4. The Coordinator in Oslo, in consultation with the Faculty at Gurukul, will plan the 1997 Consultation. 5. The Gurukul Consultation aims at settling the necessary regulations and organization for the network and the development of curricula. 6. The Co-ordinator in Oslo, in consultation with the institutions of the network, will make a draft presentation brochure of the network to be presented at the Consultation. 7. Various institutions will be invited to be in support for the network and its programme for education and research. Signatories:Gurukul Theological College and Research Institute, Madras, India School of Theology, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Escola Superior de Teologia, Sao Leopoldo, Brazil Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong Evangelical-Lutheran Theological Academy, Budapest, Hungary The Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway The Practical-Theological Seminary, Oslo, Norway Diakonhjemmet College, Oslo, Norway Go to the INDEX for the International Network in Advanced Theological Education (INATE) homepage.
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This is a reference to the english homepage of The Faculty of Theology at
The University of Oslo, Norway. The Faculty of Theology is the Coordinating institution for the Network at the time being.
You may also write to the INATE Coordinator for further information.
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Editors: Det teologiske fakultet, webmaster@teologi.uio.no
Document created: 25.06.1999, certified: 30.01.2001