WCC Commission ready to tackle new challenges for theological education

A stronger commitment

Professor Meehyun Chung, moderator of the committee, expressed his gratitude for the encouraging atmosphere. ““Education is about bringing out what’s inside,” Chung said. ““I hope that we can bring out our potential, our experience and our wisdom for the renewal of ecumenism that we already have within us and share it.”

For the vice-moderator of the commission, Rev. Professor Teddy Chalwe Sakupapa, of the United Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa, the Seoul meeting He highlighted the interdependence between contextuality and ecumenism and underlined the strategic importance of the ecumenical education and formation work of the Churches for the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity. “We look forward to journeying with the wonderful team of dedicated and enthusiastic Commissioners who are all diversely and actively engaged in the work of ecumenical education and formation in the Churches they represent,” he said.

Rev. Benjamin Simon, director of the commission and dean of the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, said the meeting with WCC member churches had been a highlight.

““For us, the Commission for Ecumenical Education and Formation, it was obvious that we also wanted to meet with leaders of the Korean member churches of the WCC,” he said. “It was important and enriching to learn more about the ecumenical challenges they face in Korea.”

Professor Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, Professor of Ecumenical Theology at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute and Head of the WCC’s Ecumenical Theological Education Programme, reflected on the vitality of theological education.

““It is vital for the transmission of the Christian tradition from one generation to the next; it is essential for the renewal and continuity of the Church; it is crucial for the interaction between the Church and society where many issues require a more precise position and stance of Christianity,” she said. “We need increased commitment to the ecumenical movement, the unity of the Church and its mission today.‘“The world through theological education to bring awareness and knowledge.”

Visit to Korean Observatory Brings Unification of Hearts and Minds (WCC article, June 28, 2024)

WCC Commission Opens Meeting at Historic Yonsei University, All Eyes on Education and Training (WCC Press Release, June 25, 2024)

Photo gallery of the EEF Commission meeting in Korea

Learn more about the WCC Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation