The Global Institute for Theology (GIT) is at the Pacific Theological College undertaking a two-week cultural and historical immersion of Fiji. The GIT is a two-yearly activity of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Acting General Secretary Rev. Dr Hanns Lessing says every two years the WCRC gathers about 40 theology students from its member churches in 100 plus countries. The gathering then visits a church in another country. One of the first places they visited since arriving in Fiji last week was the chiefly island of Bau where they witnessed indigenous protocols and rituals. At the Islander Missionaries Memorial Chapel this morning the PTC Principal Rev. Professor Upolu Vaai wished GIT well in experiencing the diversity of the islands and communities they will be visiting. Rev. Professor Vaai then handed over a printed masi (tapa) to the leadership of the GIT team and the students. Rev. Dr Lessing said the choice to be at PTC or the Pacific has resulted from a strong call at meetings over the years for WCRC to show presence in the region, where its members also exist.
“The connections and contacts PTC have provided us is so appreciated,” he said.
“We’ve known about the ecumenical contributions of PTC and the Pacific Council of Churches and their particular understanding of theology, which is relational, which is fluid, which is built on communal experiences and so on and those are all values close to WCRC and its way of doing theology. “
“So therefore, with GIT coming to Fiji, in a way it’s an experience of homecoming and I think we have come to a place we belong, and we appreciate that a lot.”
