WOCATI News: The Newsletter of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions
MINUTES OF THE BUSINESS SESSION OF THE 2002 WOCATI ASSEMBLY
(12th December 2002)
On the final day the Assembly moved to its business session. The session was chaired by Zenaida Lumba (President), assisted by Leonor Rojas (Treasurer), whereas Petros Vassiliadis was asked to take minutes.First, the President invited Chris Meinzer, the chief financial officer of ATS, to present the treasurer's report. In the ensuing discussion it was suggested (C. Mostert, ANZATS) that in future assemblies it would be more appropriate and helpful for the delegates to have access: (a) to all the minutes of the previous Executive Committee meeting, and (b) more detailed financial sheets. At the end the treasurer's report was unanimously received with appreciation. Thanks were expressed: (a) to the much depleted executive committee who with big and generous hearts had taken on the organisation of the Chiang Mai Assembly (Zenaida Lumba, President, Leonor Rojas, Treasurer, and Petros Vassiliadis); (b) to the local committee, graciously and unstintingly headed by Buddy Martinez, who had given the executive much appreciated support; (c) to many others who had contributed significantly, including Loretta Groff for organising the WOCATI website, and to Chris Meinzer, the chief financial officer of ATS, who generously made available his considerable administrative and financial skills.
Then, the floor was opened to suggest possible ways of moving WOCATI forward and furthering the implementation of its aims which are as relevant now as they were in the late eighties, when WOCATI was established. The following comments were submitted:
Hoppkinson (ACATE): WOCATI needs a new mechanism for the future. Yes to a global network, but our associations need something more exciting. Unless a new ground-breaking activity takes place, I doubt whether WOCATI can bring back ACATE.
Fosenca (ASIT): Yes to the continuation of WOCATI in its present form. However, more information for the individual associations is needed, and a productive interaction between then is essential. Consider the possibility of applying the model of tithing to WOCATI, i.e. 1% of the income of ATS and all the rest associations.
Banivanua (SPATS): Yes to the continuation of WOCATI, but we should also consider other events in addition to a Congress every 4 and sometimes 6 years.
Nam Soon (PTCA): WOCATI must be developed into a new entity with a new philosophy, beyond an umbrella of the existing associations.
Boothe (CATS): I am in favor of the continuation of WOCATI, but we need to improve it, to make it more effective, perhaps with the participation of students in addition to executive committee meetings.
Vassiliadis (COCTS): WOCATI is valuable not simply as a network of associations, or as a super-association, but as an ecumenical, worldwide mechanism to introduce both theological and educational ideas, and to help through regular interaction all theological institutions. To this end, WOCATI can perhaps undertake the websites of those associations that do not have one.
MaCarthy (ATS): Cautioned the assembly about WOCATI's capability. We must be pragmatic on what we can do together.
Lo (ATESEA): He underlined the high level of the papers and the discussion, as well as the spirit of friendship developed in the Congress. He added, however, that such conferences should focus more on "education". i.e. on the models of teaching.
Zakaria (PERSETIA): Suggested more sharing of experiencies, programs etc.
Larcher (guest from Europe): Expressed his gratefulness for the invitation, promised the formation of an all-European academic association joining WOCATI, and suggested a more universal outlook of WOCATI, and more representational (Catholic etc.).
Mostert (ANZATS) Moved for the continuation of WOCATI. Vassiliadis seconded the motion.
THE MOTION WAS ACCEPTED UNANIMOUSLY
Hoppkinson, then, suggested a new structure, arguing that WOCATI's future lies on ground-breaking consultations, independently sponsored. WOCATI will survive from what it will offer! He offered himself to the web support.Taking into account the above unanimous support a nomination committee was set up consisting of Yeow Choo Lak (chairman, former President of WOCATI), Josué Fonseca, and Hyacinth Boothe. During the process of the election some problems with the too complicated constitution and the By-Laws were noted, and a suggestion was made to make them simpler.
At the end, a slate with the new executive committee was proposed to the assembly, which was voted unanimously. The new Executive Committee, duly elected according to the WOCATI Constitution and the By-Laws, with the task of promoting and developing WOCATI for the next four years is the following:Petros Vassiliadis (President), from COTS and Eastern Europe,
Kang Nam Soon (Vice President), from PTCA and Asia,
Bill Hopkinson (Secretary/Treasurer), from ACATE and Western Europe,
Tevita Banivanua, from SPATS and the Pacific,
Hyacinth Boothe, from CATS and the Caribbean,
Edison Kalengyo, from ATIEA and Africa,
Leonor Rojas, from ASIT and Latin America, and
Kathleen Williams from ANZATS and Australia-New Zealand.
