Ecumenicals Mull Global Web Portal for Theology Scholarship Programs

(Chris Bennett/Flickr)Library stacks are seen in a file photo.

More than 40 ecumenical groups have recommended the exploration of the creation of an international web portal listing information about different theological scholarship programs.

The groups recommended exploring the feasibility and realistic scope of such a web-portal or proper international information system.

The implementation could take place "perhaps in stages," representatives gathered at a recent conference at the Academy of Mission/University of Hamburg from April 24 to 26 said in a joint statement.

The communiqué was released by the groups at the end of the gathering with the theme "'Good theology can change the world' – scholarships as instruments for a relevant Theological Education of World Christianity."

The conference was organized by the World Council of Churches, Program for Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE), Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) office in Hannover and Academy of Mission and supported by the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW).

Organizers note the context of the gathering comes as demand for theological education rises in the global south, Pentecostal churches show growing interest in theological education programs, and a need arises to create more space for women in theological education, leadership and ministries.

The full list of participating institutions is listed below:

LWF Scholarship Program
EKD-Scholarship program
General Board for Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church
World Council of Churches (ETE)
Overseas Council International
Scholarship Desk of the Rumanian Orthodox Patriarchate
Council for World Mission of Church of Scotland
Association of Protestant Churches and Mission (EMW)
St. Paul's Luther Seminary, Anglican Communion Office
United Evangelical Mission
Oxford Center for Mission Studies
Danmission
University of Pretoria
Association for Theological Institutions of Southern Africa (ATISCA)
Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education
MF School of Theology Norway
Association for Theological Education in Myanmar
Resource Leadership International Canada, Mission 21
All African Conference of Churches (AACC)
Asian Forum on Theological Education (AFTE)
Program on Theology and Cultures in Asia (PTCA)
Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI),
Gettysburg Theological Seminary,
ICCO&Kerkinactie
Methodist e-academy
Church of Sweden
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil
German National Committee (DNK) of LWF

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