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Appendix 2

Concept paper on the CCA-WSCF Joint Consultation 2003

 

1. Background

The partnership between CCA and WSCF was initiated back in the early 60s and in 1966, the representatives of the EACC and the WSCF AP met in Hong Kong, and came up with the covenant of 1966 in which they committed themselves to a common ecumenical vision and strategy for the ecumenical student ministry in the region. After some happy initial years, the cooperation between the two bodies began to wane and the hopeful results that had been anticipated did not emerge. A sense of distance between some churches and SCMs set in, brought about by misunderstandings and by disagreements on the meaning of the Church’s ministry in the academic world.

In March 1982, representatives of the two bodies met again in Hong Kong for a consultation on the ecumenical task of Asian student Christian movement and renewed the covenant “as an expression of the common obedience to the mission of the church to the academic communities of Asia”. The consultation took note that with a rise of militaristic governments in the region, a new generation of SCMs had emerged who were less concerned about its part in the elite class of university students, but more involved in the struggle for justice and freedom in society.

The 1982 consultation became an occasion for the SCMs to clarify their self-understanding. “As an expression of the ministry of the church and as an embodiment of witness to the gospel, the SCMs must continually reflect upon their membership of the community of faith and their work with others in that community for the renewal of the churches.” “As movements that are located in the academic world, they must be involved in the problems and aspirations of students

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and other members of that world, and in the issues that arise out of the situation of educational institutions in the light of the present political realities”.

The 1985 CCA-WSCF consultation was held in Bangkok with the theme, “A Critical Review of the Vision and Reality of University in Society”. The self-understanding of the SCM “both an expression of the ministry of the Church in the academic world, as well as an authentic response of students to the realities they face within the university and the larger society” was reaffirmed. It was recognized that the university did not exist in isolation from the society. It was emphasized that the efforts of the SCMs must be in solidarity with the majority of the peoples in the region struggling against poverty, exploitation and oppression. This also meant working with groups beyond the bounds of the church. These efforts must contribute towards transformation of societies brought about by people through their collective action.

The 1987 Manila consultation reaffirmed the spirit of 1985 consultation. Particularly, the consultation emphasized the SCM’s active role in transforming society together with people’s movements.

The 1991 Hong Kong consultation with its theme “Come Youth and Student, Walk the Path of Obedience” focused much on the common concerns of the youth and students such as education, environment, gender justice, etc.

The 1995 CCA-WSCF Bangkok consultation was significant in the sense that it analyzed the situation of higher education in a comprehensive way and that it clarified the needs of students. As usual in other consultations, it reaffirmed the common vision and mission in the field of student ministry.

In the final statement, it was highlighted the higher education had been commodified, privatized and giving way to the

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global market force. It was reaffirmed that both CCA and WSCF should work closely to recover a holistic meaning of education in the midst of a globalized market economy.

After the 1995 Bangkok consultation, the CCA-WSCF Joint Committee decided to concentrate its effort more on national level’s cooperation for the student ministry. From 1997 to 2002 the Joint Committee organized 7 national consultations – Japan, Aotearoa/New Zealand(1997), Philippines(1999), Hong Kong(2000), India(2001), Korea(2001), Bangladesh(2002). Therefore, 2003 consultation is the first regional level’s joint effort since 1995.

Besides the joint consultations on the regional and the national levels, CCA and WSCF AP have continued their partnership throughout various programs and projects. It includes:

1)    Joint Event – Asia Youth Assembly 1984(theme – out of control), Asia Youth and Student Gathering(1993 and 2000), Ecumenical Asia Pacific Student and Youth Network (2001), etc.

2)    Joint Training Project – School for Ecumenical Leadership Formation (2001)

3)    Program Invitations – Asia Ecumenical Academy, Women Doing Theology, etc.

4)    Sharing Resources – financial support for Fact Finding Mission to Korea (1985), CCA Youth funds to certain SCM projects (ongoing project)

 

2. Objectives of the CCA-WSCF Joint Consultation

1.       To analyze the situation of higher education

2.       To understand the needs of academic communities, particularly those of students in the context of globalization

3.       To evaluate past 8 years’ CCA-WSCF Joint programs, and to reflect and review on the partnership between CCA and WSCF AP

 

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4.       To reaffirm the ongoing commitment of two bodies towards the ecumenical student ministry in the Asia Pacific region

5.       To envision new ways of cooperation towards the ecumenical student ministry in the Asia Pacific region

 

3. Components of the Consultation

The consultation will have 5 basic components:

1)    Keynote Presentation : The keynote presentation will address the challenges which the academic communities, particularly the university students, are facing. Based on the analysis of the situation of the academic communities in the region, the keynote address will present alternative ways through which both churches and SCM can work together towards the ecumenical student ministry in the Asia Pacific regional context.  

2)    Comments : Three comments will be presented for further discussion. These include:

                                                            A.      SCM’s Relation with the Faculties and Chaplains - Dr. Betty C. Abregana

                                                            B.      The Importance of Student Ministry in the Local Church - Rev. David Gill

                                                            C.      SCM’s Role in the society, Its Relevance with People’s Movements - Mr. Wong Kaishing

3)    Reflection of the partnership of the CCA-WSCF AP : A brief report of previous consultations will be presented together with evaluations done by the NCCs and SCMs.

4)    Working Groups : 3 working groups will work on the different agendas.

5)    Joint Statement : Joint Statement will be prepared to reaffirm the partnership between CCA and WSCF and to envision its future cooperation.