Insights from the Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme 2025

From 11-16 March 2025, St Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Quezon City, Philippines, hosted USPG’s Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme (ATAP), a recurring initiative that brings together theological leaders from across Asia to foster dialogue, exchange expertise, and strengthen institutional resilience. This year’s gathering brought together around thirty church leaders, Principals and Deans and other mission practitioners from diverse theological institutions to discuss the theme of ‘Decolonial Discipleship: Asian Explorations of the Five Marks of Mission’.

The Five Marks of Mission are:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
• To teach, baptise, and nurture new believers
• To respond to human need by loving service
• To transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence, and pursue peace and reconciliation
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

Throughout the conference, theologians from across Asia presented papers that explored the contextual applications of these Five Marks of Mission, fostering rich discussions on the evolving role of mission and theological education in Asia. ATAP continues to be a crucial platform for theological institutions to collaborate, reflect, and strategise on issues facing theological education and leadership in the region.

The Right Reverend Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo, shared the following reflection:

The Revd Adrian Aaron, our director of the Cathedral Insitute of Education and Formation, and I participated in the conference [in Manila]. Together with [other] Churches in the Anglican communion and USPG we witnessed, prayed and learnt from each other.

Also in attendance, The Revd Misa Furumoto, who shared about her experience as a Priest at St. Agnes Church in the Diocese of Kyoto, Nippon Seikokai (Anglican Church in Japan).

Engagements Beyond ATAP: Strengthening Partnerships

Some participants from the ATAP also gathered in Auckland for a significant gathering of Anglican Seminary Deans from East Asia and Oceania. This pivotal event reimagined theological education, offering fresh perspectives through an Indigenous lens.

Also, representatives from USPG—The Revd Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Nadia Sanchez, and The Revd Davidson Solanki— took the opportunity to visit the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). During the visit, they engaged in discussions with IFI leaders, including The Rt Revd Dindo D. Ranojo, General Secretary, The Revd Edoi, Programme Director as well as the IFI Youth President Koko. IFI, known for its radical and prophetic ministries, plays a critical role in advocating for Indigenous communities in the Philippines. The meeting focused on various mission initiatives and further deepening partnerships.

As part of the visit, USPG also extended solidarity greetings to the newly installed Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, The Most Revd Nestor D. Poltic. His installation as the 8th Prime Bishop took place on 12 March at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John in Manila. Please join us in prayer for this new chapter of his ministry, and for the continued growth and witness of the Anglican Church in the Philippines.