Ecumenical approach in theological education from June

To encourage the development of contextual, ecumenical and holistic approach to learning in theological education, Senate of Serampore College in Madurai, has performed major reforms in their curriculum.

Being the oldest ecumenical organization in India, the theological institution has developed a curriculum based on three pillars: "contextual education, interdisciplinary dialogue and social relevance."

The promotion of ecumenical theological education has come in the wake of violence on Christians in different parts of the country. It plays a crucial importance in the future of the theological institutions in India, says Prof. Dr John Sadananda, president of the Senate of Serampore College.

"The need of the hour is that all people of good will come together joining hands to defeat evil forces of fascism and fundamentalism," Sadananda said.

The ecumenical theological education, he says, "is not merely an interdenominational collaboration of programmes", but an endeavour that "affirms life and healthy relationships of mutual acceptance and sharing", inspiring the "rebuilding of inclusive communities".

The new curriculum which will start in June 2009 apparently takes up concerns of the World Council of Churches (WCC) project on Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE) that has been encouraging theological institutions, ecumenical institutes and associations to participate in the ecumenical movement locally and globally.

Founded by missionaries Joshua Marshman, William Carey and William Ward in 1827, Serampore was the first institution to be given the status of a university in India. Its membership, over the past 50 years, has increased from 18 to more than 50 theological colleges.

With 1,241 theological students from its affiliated seminaries and college graduating this February, the Senate of Serampore College boasts of having held what was probably one of the world's largest theological graduation ceremonies.