Reformed Seminary Presidents Meet at Princeton

Princeton Theological Seminary is currently hosting the World Alliance of Reformed Churches' Conference of Presidents of Theological Institutions Related to Reformed Churches.

About 50 leaders of theological schools from around the world have met to discuss seminary curricula in the 21st century, address challenges facing theological education today and promote global partnerships between theological institutions across cultures.

The conference, from 18 to 22 June, will be the first global gathering of heads of Reformed-related theological institutions.

Dialogue between the global north - Europe and North America - and the global south - Central and South America and Africa - is a key aspect of the conference and the intent is to foster a two-way exchange.

"The world is changing," said Princeton Seminary president Iain Torrance, "and we want to learn from churches around the world how we can adapt to these changes. We want to listen to what Christianity is saying and how it is developing worldwide. We are a resource for the world and we must listen to the global church."

Torrance will join WARC president Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church in the USA, in welcoming heads of theological institutions from Italy, France, Canada, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, the United States, Cameroon, Ghana, China, Korea, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico and Cuba, among many others.

"The gathering of seminary heads - more than half are from the global South - will be an important forum," added Setri Nyomi, WARC's general secretary, who is also a Princeton Seminary alumnus and the first African to be named head of the WARC secretariat.

"As someone who knows how much Princeton Seminary has contributed as a leader in providing sound theological formation for leaders all over the world, I am delighted that my alma mater is playing such a role in hosting this consultation.

"This demonstrates Princeton Seminary's vision and foresight for affecting the world for good."

Princeton Seminary's relationship with WARC goes back decades. Two former presidents of the seminary, John Mackay and James McCord, were also presidents of WARC, as was former professor Jane Dempsey Douglass.

WARC is a fellowship of 75 million Reformed Christians in 214 churches in 107 countries. Its member churches are Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, United and Uniting churches with roots in the 16th century Reformation led by John Calvin, John Knox and others.

WARC works to address economic and ecological justice issues and advocate for just models for trade, agriculture and economics; to dialogue with other communions on critical theological matters; to address gender inequality; and to advocate for human rights and support peace initiatives.

Princeton Theological Seminary was founded in 1812 as the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It is the largest Presbyterian seminary in the country, with seven graduate degree programmes and 700 students.