Connecting Education: Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa
ACTEA connects theological colleges in Africa, enhances their quality, and, with a new Francophone branch, paves the way for greater access to education.
more ...Working Together for Ecumenical Theological Education Worldwide
The Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW), in collaboration with partner organizations, promotes ecumenical theological education on every continent. Through education, research, and exchange, people are empowered to take on responsibilities in the church and society, to effectively address the challenges of their time, and to develop theological responses.
Well-Educated to Meet Global Challenges
Churches around the world face major challenges: social change, religious diversity, poverty, conflicts, the climate crisis, and issues of justice. To meet these challenges, they need well-trained people who combine faith, responsibility, and social engagement. That is why the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW), together with its partner organizations, promotes ecumenical theological education in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Theological Education Strengthens Churches
Theological education empowers future pastors, teachers, and church staff to reflect responsibly on their faith and to guide congregations in their respective contexts.
Theological education fosters global perspectives
Through ecumenical cooperation, churches learn from one another. Diverse experiences, cultural traditions, and theologies enrich the shared reflection on faith and social responsibility.
Theological Education Strengthens Societies
Many graduates take on responsibilities far beyond the church – in education, peace work, development processes, human rights advocacy, or in the pursuit of sustainability and social justice.
Theological Education Shapes the Future
Investments in education have a long-term impact. Those who support students, faculty, and educational institutions today strengthen the capacity of churches and communities to act on behalf of future generations.
Global Network for Ecumenical Theological Education
The world map shows the EMW’s partner organizations in the field of ecumenical theological education. Through the List of Needs, the EMW supports universities, seminaries, educational programs, and networks that equip people for service in the church and society. Each marker represents a partnership in which knowledge is shared, mutual learning is facilitated, and the global community of churches is strengthened.
A Look at some of the Universities and Colleges
Discover EMW partner universities and colleges in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, as well as global programs for ecumenical theological education.
Toward Greater Autonomy Through Ecotheology: United Theological College
At United Theological College, future pastors study agroecology, livestock farming, and recycling – to promote greater self-sufficiency in Zimbabwe.
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Quality Education with a Commitment to Gender Equality: Seminario Andino San Pablo
Theological education for Indigenous people – gender-equitable, ecumenical, at university level – is the focus of the Seminario Andino San Pablo in Peru.
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Worldwide Support
Ever since the “List of Needs” was established in 1963, support for theological education has been a key funding priority. In addition to theological education, grants are awarded to regional and national church councils and federations, as well as to mission-related programs of global church organizations (World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches) and World Bible Society. Raising awareness, providing information, and fostering commitment to mission and ecumenism within German churches and among the general public – that is the focus of the fourth funding area: Public Relations and Education.
- Why does the EMW support theological education worldwide?
EMW supports ecumenical theological education because well-trained church leaders and staff are an important foundation for vibrant churches, local social engagement, and international ecumenical cooperation.
We view ecumenical theological education as a contribution to a church that is globally connected, learns from one another, and jointly assumes responsibility for peace, justice, and the care of creation. That is why, together with our partner organizations, we invest in people, education, and the future.
- What does ecumenical-theological education mean?
Ecumenical-theological education combines academic theology, church practice, and dialogue among churches of different traditions and cultural contexts. The institutions of higher education that receive funding have multiple churches and denominations represented either in their governing bodies, their faculties, or their student bodies.
- Where does EMW support partner organizations?
EMW collaborates with theological educational institutions, networks, and partner organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Silja Joneleit-Oesch
“Mission is to theology what a window to the wider world is – it grounds the Church. Mission and intercultural theology challenge us to be able to articulate who we are and what we believe, and to listen to what others have to say. The foundations for this are laid in theological education. In subsequent practice within the Church and society, these foundations are then brought to life and tested to see how well they hold up.”
