Theological Education and training for Ministry is certainly in evidence across our two Provinces. Many factors have contributed to the variety of forms which it takes.
The Alexandria Schoolof Theology is now well established in the Diocese of Egypt. Last week Archbishop Samy led a special College Eucharist service at All Saints in Cairo which was attended by students as well as by Dr Shady Anis, Dean of the College. In his address, using the image of the wedding garment, the archbishop stressed that outer garments should reflect inner integrity, which is really important. Transformed lives is the aim of Christian ministry generally and especially in those training for ministry. The Archbishop emphasized that the fruits of this transformation are evident in love, compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and faithfulness. He stressed that these qualities should be manifested in every area of life, whether in the church, at home, at work, or in the wider community. He explained that a life reflecting God’s grace brings together practical faith and everyday conduct, enabling people to serve others with love and sincerity.
Meanwhile last month in Tunis, the foundation stone was being laid for a new theological building. The previous day a graduation ceremony had been held for graduates from St Cyprian's College. Of the seven graduates, six were men and one was a woman. Two graduates were a couple from Algeria who completed the Bachelor’s Degree programme, while the other five graduates were from Tunisia.The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Bill Musk and an inscription credited his vision as leading to this exciting development.
Ministerial training has recently undergone a review in Cyprus and the Gulf, which has had a well established discernment and training programme for some time. Going forward, the theological element of the training will be provided by Queen's College Newfoundland, the accreditors of the current course. Most recently, a discernment meeting involving several prospective candidates has been held in Doha.
The Near East School of Theology in Beirut, in which the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem is a partner, continues to play its part among other training institutions. Currently there is one Anglican student in residence. Yanal Ayyoub is from Jordan. Formerly he was a civil engineer. He says he wants to move from building physical things to building people. As someone partially sighted, he believes he may have a special ministry to those with sight impairment.
Dr Clare Amos, a Director of JMECA and herself a theological educator, commented, "The words of Archbishop Michael Ramsey - 'to be a theologian is to be exposed to the vision of heaven and the tragedy of mankind' - have long been for me a guiding star. Such a vision also surely undergirds theological education and training for ministry in the two Provinces which JMECA seeks to serve."
Picture credits: Diocese of Egypt; Diocese of North Africa, JMECA.