National conference on theology




BTESSC organized the National level Theological Students Conference from 5th to 8th May 2012 at UTC, Bangalore on the theme God of Life, Lead us to Justice and Peace. More than 130 students from different parts of our country actively participated. Representatives from Korea and Sri Lanka also attended. Our Chairperson Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos inaugurated the conference. In his inaugural address, he narrated the background of the WCC Assembly theme. Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos gave the key note address. He challenged the students by highlighting present day realities in the light of the theme. The following resource persons presented papers on the specific topics:

Rev. Vinod Victor on Asian Realities and Challenges
Rev. Deenadayalan on Indian Realities and Challenges
Dr. A. Wati Longchar on Theological Education in India: Development, Problems and Challenges
Mr. David Selvaraj on Transformative Learning
Dr. Packiam Samuel on Theological Education in Multi faith context

All the four days, Rev. Raj Bharath Patta with his SCMI team conducted worships and Bible Studies were conducted by Ms. Atula, Rev. Vincent Rajkumar and Sweety Helen.

The following resource persons led the workshop on various issues:

Dr. George Zachairah on Climate Justice
Dr. Samuel George on Disability
Rev. Christopher, Mr. Manohar and Ms. Shubha Chacko on LGBTQ
Dr. Richard Devadoss and Rev. Chandra Mohan and Violence and Peace

The following resource persons led the interest groups on different movements

Dr. Joseph Prabhakar Dayam on Dalit Movement
Ms. Geetha Menon and Rev. Margaret Kalaiselvi on Women’s Movement
Dr. Roy David on Tribal Movement
Rev. Fr. Selvinraj on Students Movement

Finally the students came out with the message that is attached herewith. Many of the students felt that they are not exposed to such a realities and theological reflections in their own colleges and appreciated BTESSC for this initiative and proposed to have follow-up regularly.