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INTRODUCTION

 

In response to the ongoing ministry of the churches and student Christian movements in the academic and learning community, the CCA-WSCF jointly sponsors national and regional consultations for SCMers, church leaders, faculty members and grassroot workers from people's movements and organisations. The purpose of the Consultation is to make a critical analysis of the role of universities and students in Asia/Pacific in context of the present realities in our region. Since the students are a vital force in the life of the churches and nations it is important to bring them together with other sectors of the society for mutual sharing and concerns in the common mission of the Church.

The theme of the third Consultation was "A New Ecumenical Vision for the Church and University in Asian Society". The Joint Consultation called upon the 20 participants from the CCA-WSCF constituencies not only to review but also to define their respective roles in relation to the training of young people for working towards the transformation of society.

The programme was held in Manila at the Communication Foundation of Asia. It was organised by the SCMers of Philippines who were the local host.

The programme commenced with Opening Worship, led by the Rt. Rev. La Verne Mercado. The major presentations dealing with various aspects of the theme were delivered by Dr. Kim Yong Bock, Dr. Somen Das and Mr. Baw Tananone. Apart from this, the SCMers together with representatives of Churches and Faculty took part in a panel. The working groups’ discussions that followed throughout the Consultation strategized on the future plan of action and made a number of recommendations which are included in this report. In the Closing Evaluation, many points and insights were expressed towards improving the organising and planning of such a Consultation. The organisers welcomed readily the entire evaluation process with deep appreciation and gratitude to all. And on that note, the Consultation ended with a corporate worship led by the participants.