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ProjectsCCTE's First National Conference 2010Doing Theology in a Fair Country
The Churches’ Council on Theological Education held its first national conference at the University of Winnipeg May 3-5,2010. It was hosted by the Faculty of Theology in collaboration with theKnowles-Woodsworth Centre for Theology and Public Policy. The conference theme, “Doing Theology in a Fair Country” was drawn from the title of the book by renowned Canadian author John Ralston Saul. Dr. Saul spoke at a public event at the Winnipeg Art Gallery as well as having a more informal time with participants in the conference.
The conference was part of CCTE’s three year focus on “Mission and Power”, particularly on the relation of the churches and Aboriginal People and the implications for theological education in Canada in light of the processes of truth-telling and reconciliation engaging people across the country. It was significant that the conference was accompanied by Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Commissioner Wilson also responded to Ralston Saul’s address.
A second keynote address was given by Rev. Terry Leblanc. Terry is one of the founders and current Chair of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS), which provides a new approach to biblical and theological reflection, writing and education for Native North Americans.
A panel on Tuesday evening included Chief Ovide Mercredi, Dr. Paula Sampson from the Vancouver School of Theology and Ms. Karen Froman from the University of Winnipeg. This panel challenged participants to reflect deeply on the experiences of Aboriginal peoplewho have chosen to leave the church and how their voices might impact theological reflection in Canada. Our days began with prayer and reflections by the Rev. Dr. Stan McKay and Rev. Barbara Shoomski. Other resource people included:
Conference participants also took part in tours designed to engage them with the local context in Winnipeg. We were a very diverse group and throughout the conference we were challenged to be together in a different way; to be together in a circle where each voice and each silence was valued. This was not easy especially for those accustomed to the style of an academic conference. Some of the learnings and material from the conference will eventually be posted on the CCTE Web site Projects page.
This was an exciting first step for CCTE and one which began a conversation that we have agreed to continue. The relationship with Aboriginal People and the processes of truth telling and reconciliation are of great significance to the member churches of CCTE. It will take time to reflect and act on how these processes are impacting and will continue to impact theological education and preparation for ministry in Canada. A second conference is being planned for Winnipeg May 16-19, 2011 to continue our conversation and walk together. Mark these dates now. More details will be available in the next edition of ContaCTE!. CCTE is deeply appreciative of the welcome and hospitality of the Office of President, Lloyd Axworthy, the Faculty of Theology, and the Knowles Woodsworth Centre for Theology and Public Policy at the University of Winnipeg. The conference was supported financially by several grants and we wish to thank the Healing Fund of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Justice and Reconciliation Fund of the United Church of Canada, and the Conference Fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada for their very generous gifts. CTSC Conference 2010Pax Canadiana: Theological Perspectives on
We were warmly welcomed by AST and its President the Rev. Canon Eric Beresford. Members of its faculty provided leadership in several of the workshops. Our theme was Pax Canadiana: Theological Perspectives on Peacemaking, Armed Conflict and Nation Building.
In the first days of the conference, students were given some orientation to Halifax, particularly the role of the military in its life and development and how this has intersected with its faith communities. This included tours of the historic Pier 21 and the Halifax Citadel. We very much appreciated the contribution of the Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett who led a tour of the city with this focus in mind. We also enjoyed generous hospitality of St. Andrew’s United Church who provided us with a meal and a venue for our discussions and the first keynote address.
This year’s conference was very honoured to have His Excellency, Abuna Elias Chacour, Archbishop of Akka, Haifa, Nazareth and All of Galilee of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church as our keynote speaker. As in previous years, his presence with us was made possible by the Canadian Churches’ Forum for Global Ministries. This year, his visit was also supported by the Dr. E.H. Johnson Memorial Trust Fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Archbishop Chacour brought a powerful message of the role of the Christian communities of Israel/Palestine in the search for peace in the on-going conflict in that region. He recounted the story of his own involvement in the Mar Elias Education Institutions in Ibillin and his vision of a school where all children of Israel/Palestine will be welcomed and encouraged.
In addition to the keynote addresses, the theme was developed in daily worship, in small group discussions and in workshops. Of course there was also some time for fun and recreation. Many students tried out lobster for the first time and got to know more of the local culture and hospitality on their free afternoon and evening.
At the Annual Business Meeting it was agreed that the improvement of electronic communication needs to be a priority. It was also agreed that in 2011, the conference should continue with May dates and be integrated with the CCTE conference to be held at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Winnipeg. The event will benefit from a professional conference planning team as well as the many resources the CCTE conference can provide. The theme for both conferences will be related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is based in Winnipeg and the implications of this process for theological education and theological reflection in Canada.
The CTSC received financial support from a number of sources this year. Our gratitude is expressed to the Women’s Interchurch Council of Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Partners Division of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the Cooke’s Church Fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Communities in Mission Unit of the United Church of Canada and several individual donors.
Last updated on: 2010-10-21 2:07PM Archived Projects:
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TRC Commissioner Marie Wilson with Bob Faris, Executive Director of CCTE, Bill Blaikie, Director of the Knowles-Woodsworth Centre, and Jim Christie, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg
The 57th annual Canadian Theological Students’ Conference was hosted by the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The dates of the conference moved this year from the time of the February reading week to May 8-14. As always, students participated from colleges from across Canada and from a wide range of denominational backgrounds and theological perspectives.
