Organisers of last week’s LOI Consultation The gospel as Good News were taken by surprise when almost one third of the participants turned up for an ‘optional’ session on Theological Education. Planned as a gathering for a handful of interested individuals this meeting became a major aspect of the consultation signalling the importance of early formation in inter-tradition (ecumenical) understanding.
Participants first heard many examples of Orthodox and Evangelical scholars working together in theological education and the spiritual formation of priests, ministers and pastors, and then discussed how this work can be further enhanced. Both faculty and student exchange programmes were suggested, alongside the sharing of library and other resources. It was emphasised that there is room for the two Christian traditions to cooperate in informal as well as formal education.
At the end of the meeting the group made a commitment to continue work together and to explore the possibility of a future consultation specifically focused on this issue. In the meantime all members of the meeting will be looking for opportunities for cross-fertilisation between their respective institutions and training programmes.
The aim is to foster grater understanding of the different tradition, to build trust and to open up possibilities for mutual support, encouragement and joint working early in the ministry of Orthodox and Evangelical leaders.