Building on the Cornerstone – Deans and Bishops from Asia meet to Strengthen Theological Education
Put simply, the future of the Church depends on the leaders it forms today. That conviction lay at the heart of the recent gathering of the Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme (ATAP), in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 8-12 June.
Bringing together 25 participants, including eight bishops and the Deans and Principals of 15 theological education institutions (TEIs), ATAP aimed to strengthen theological education across Asia by building partnerships and learning together. The theme of the ATAP meeting was, “Retrospect, Reimagine, Renew: Strengthening Theological Education in Partnership.”
The gathering in Jakarta marked the culmination of a process that began with the Asia Theological Consultation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in June 2023, convened by USPG with the Church of Ceylon. That initial consultation brought Deans and Principals of theological institutions across Asia together to reflect on the state of theological education and to begin building a stronger regional network.
Since then, the work has developed into the Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme (ATAP), reflecting USPG’s long-term commitment to theological education as central to the future of the Church. The Jakarta meeting was therefore a review of this continuing process.
Before the ATAP meeting in Jakarta, a learning review through survey questionnaire was carried out. Some respondents commented that, “the ATAP programme is very relevant as it supports locally rooted theological reflection, interreligious dialogue and contextual responses to social challenges. Others commented that, “mutual learning through students and faculty exchanges has been effective and impactful.”
Hosted by USPG and Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologi (STFT) Jakarta, one of Indonesia’s oldest theological institutions, the programme reflected on lessons learned over the past three years and explored how churches and theological colleges could work more closely together in the future.
A significant development this year was the inclusion of bishops alongside academic leaders. Previous gatherings had highlighted a gap between churches and theological institutions, with many TEIs feeling isolated from the wider mission of the Church. By bringing bishops and theological educators together, ATAP encouraged a more integrated approach to leadership formation and theological education.
The need to raise up a new generation of leaders was a recurring theme throughout the week. Participants discussed how theological institutions can support emerging theologians, particularly women and younger leaders, while developing clearer pathways for future leadership.
Worship framed each day, with morning and evening prayer developed by Dr Ester Pudjo Widiasih from Jakarta Theological Seminary. In the closing Eucharist service, participants reflected on Christ as the cornerstone, writing words that represented the commitments they would carry home, including solidarity, partnership and hope.
Set within Indonesia’s diverse religious landscape, the gathering also highlighted the importance of theological formation in multi-faith contexts. Participants visited the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral, connected by the Tunnel of Friendship, a powerful symbol of religious coexistence and dialogue.
As the programme concluded, participants looked back on the journey that began in Sri Lanka and considered how its work might continue through new partnerships and networks. At its core, the Revd Davidson Solanki, Senior Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East, USPG, explains:
“Our aim and prayer is for a full cohort of new theologians and leaders, especially women and youth to be raised up in Churches across Asia.”
USPG remains deeply grateful for the many partners and co-pilgrims who have journeyed alongside this work, including the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, Episcopal Divinity School, St John’s Theological College (Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia), the World Council of Churches, as well as the churches, bishops and theological educators whose commitment has helped strengthen theological education across Asia.