Lausanne World Pulse – Perspectives Articles – WEA Theological Commission Holds Its Annual Session for the First Time in Africa
November 2006
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Over sixty leaders from around the world met in Kenya for the |
The first meeting of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Theological Commission (TC) held in Africa took place 21-23 September 2006 in Kenya and attracted an aggregate of about sixty people to its various study, fellowship and planning sessions. TC members from nine countries attended and apologies were received from others who were unable to attend. Many other local theologians also participated.
Almost a dozen papers were given during the study sessions. In the annual TC planning and strategy meeting, steps were taken to plan for new leadership of the organisation over the next few years as several of its key members rotate off. A special feature of the event was the participation of several people who are part of the new extended membership scheme introduced earlier in the year. A considerable number of theologians and students from local seminaries were present to contribute papers; many others shared in discussions.
A mini-consultation on “Religious Fundamentalism as a Global Issue” attracted about twenty participants and heard keynote addresses from Professor Yusufu Turaki of Nigeria/Kenya and Dr. Rolf Hille of Germany; both men are also published in the TC journal, Evangelical Review of Theology. There were also three other papers on relations between Fundamentalism and other forms of faith. A 250-word pastoral statement summing up the conclusions was prepared for international circulation.
Another major feature was a symposium on African theology, in which there were thirty participants from local seminaries. It was introduced by an insightful analysis of the current situation by Dr. James Nkansah, head of theology at the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), the host institution. Other papers addressed Christology in Africa, interpretation of the Bible, trends and issues in West Africa and comparisons between Islamic and Christian approaches to scripture.
During the business session plans were laid to fill vacancies in the TC and to seek a younger generation of leaders. Dr. David Parker was appointed for a further term as director of publications and administration, allowing time to find a replacement for him. It was reported that the TC ended the year with an encouraging financial report, but its progress has been continually restricted by inadequate funding, resulting in the ability to take up many opportunities for growth. It is hoped that there can be much stronger financial backing for the TC in the future. A spokesperson for the TC said that expressions of interest are welcome for ways in which greater support can be obtained and for additional personnel, including those suitable for senior leadership.