The Pacific Theological College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore partnerships and conversations in potentially setting up a campus in New Caledonia. The MOU provides a platform for discussions between PTC, the Government of New Caledonia, its Congress and member church, the Èglise Protetante de Kanaky Nouvelle-Calédonie (EPKNC). The MOU also covers forming agreements on technical support for the campus. Principal PTC Rev Professor Upolu Vaai said there is interest in setting up the campus to look at teaching of theology but also a campus central to the self-determination movements. ‘With that, we must look at cultural development, youth empowerment, resilient and sustainable communities,’ he said.
‘I believe this is the start of a fruitful relationship not just with PTC and the ecumenical movement but with the government of New Caledonia, the Congress, church as well as the indigenous people of New Caledonia,’ he added. The MOU signing event was held at the PTC fale, attended by Pacific leaders, parliamentarians, members of the private sector, the Kanaky delegation, civil society partners, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organisations, the East-West Centre in Hawaii and other NGO partners, representatives from West Papua and Indonesia, and the PTC community. MOU signatories include Honourable Roch Wamytan, the President of the Congress of New Caledonia; FLNKS (Kanak Socialist Liberation Front), spokesperson Honourable Victor Tufugoro; and Pastor Var Kaemo, the President of the EPKNC and the PTC Principal Rev. Professor Vaai.
