Backgrounder

In March 1982, the CCA and WSCF Asia/Pacific held a consultation on 'THE ECUMENICAL TASK OF THE ASIA STUDENT CHRISTIAN MOVEMENTS'. A historic occasion — the consultation was the first of its kind, when the two ecumenical bodies sat down together to reflect on and discuss their relationship and common ecumenical concerns and responsibilities since 1966 when a similar meeting was held between CCA (then EACC) and WSCF Asia.

In the 1982 Consultation the covenant made between ECC and WSCF Asia in 1966 was reviewed; and the work that had been done and the changes that had taken place since then were evaluated. Many gains had been reaped both by the WSCF as regional body and by the SCMs at the national level. Problems had also been encountered, mistakes had been made and shortcomings had arisen.

Of crucial concern to the Consultation, was the development of the relationship between the Churches and WSCF/SCMs. The partnership between them that was made more normal in 1966 had not been sustained throughout the years. A sense of distance had set in, brought about by disagreements as to the meaning of the Christian ministry in the university and in society as well as by the failure on both parts to engage in continuing dialogue with mutual openness to learn and be challenged by each other.

The urgent need for this dialogue, specially in consideration of the precious time and opportunities lost in recent years, was an underlying motivation throughout the 1982 consultation. Through intense struggle, debate and discussion, an initial common understanding of the nature and role of the Asian Student Christian Movement, its present needs and problems were formulated. More than this, the commitment to rebuild and sustain the partnership between the SCMs and the Churches was forged anew among the participants.

Towards concretizing this commitment, the Consultation outlined areas of concern in which joint efforts between the WSCF Asia/Pacific and the CCA could immediately be initiated. An organizational mechanism was proposed that would ensure the implementation and coordination of joint programmes. After the Consultation, a joint Coordinating Committee was set up to undertake this task.

It is in pursuit of the responsibilities given to it by the two ecumenical bodies that the CCA-WSCF Joint Coordinating Committee planned another Joint Consultation in 1985, this time with a more specific focus on: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE VISION AND REALITY OF THE UNIVERSITY IN SOCIETY.

Objectives of the 1985 Joint Consultation

The university remains an area of crucial concern in the ministry of the Church. The SCM in particular, even as it seeks to respond to greater social issues and participates in the larger people's movements as a Student Christian Movement, operates with the university as its immediate milieu and arena of struggle.

In view of the increasing domestication of the universities in Asia and the Pacific by powers-that-be as instruments of oppression and exploitation of our region's vast and rich human and natural resources, it becomes ever more necessary for the churches and the SCMs to undertake together a critical analysis of the university situation. Such an analysis can and should best be done vis-à-vis a clear vision of genuine human liberation and development and the role the university must play to achieve this within the Asian and Pacific context.

Armed with such a vision and critical analysis, the churches and the SCMS, in partnership, can pursue a dynamic, effective and authentic ministry in the university and in the larger society. Definite strategies for action can jointly be worked out; a deeper clarification and substantiation of the role and nature of the SCMs and the part that the churches can and must play could be made.

The process of working out the common vision, analysis and strategies for action began in 1982 with the first Joint Consultation. It continued with the holding of similar consultations at the national level in many countries soon afterward. The 1985 Joint Consultation, with a more definite focus, is conceived to be another important stage in the process.

The 1982 Consultation also recognized the need to integrate other members of the academe, specifically members of the teaching profession, in this process. Their particular place in the university structure make them both instruments as well as victims in the way the universities are being used to further the interests of the ruling powers. At the same time, their position, resources, capabilities and skills make them an invaluable component in the strategic role of universities and education in the struggle for human liberation and development. Not only a student movement but also a teachers movement, each mutually supportive and enriching and relating to the larger people's movements.

Hence the 1985 JOINT CONSULTATION also aims to contribute to the rebuilding of a network of the Asian scholars and teachers towards a more complete ministry in the university world.