Australian National University

Potential partnership discussions on areas of need and support ensued this week between the Pacific Theological College and the Australian National University. The heads of the two educational institutions met in Suva earlier this week. Professor Brian P. Schmidt, ANU Vice Chancellor, and Revd. Professor Dr Upolu Vaai spoke about the value of Pasifika knowledge, philosophies, and theologies in regional development and pushing for ‘whole of life’ ideas of wellbeing in development policies, and how the two institutions should partner and work together in delivering an alternative educational vision that is holistic and communities based. Rev. Professor Vaai was accompanied by PTC Vice Principal Professor Derrick Armstrong. PTC has been at the forefront as a Pasifika regional theological institution promoting the importance of the role of faith, indigenous knowledge, and ‘whole of life’ educational approaches in shaping development policies and frameworks in the region. Theology as an expression of faith should not be confined to the church. Its critical role is also the transformation of societies and liberating of communities from social, ecological, and economic systemic injustices. Talks between the two institutions are continuing.