The UTS Ecumenics and Justice & Peace Center is one the of seminary’s concrete expression of its work to contribute towards unity of the faithfuls and its solidarity with the people in their struggle for justice and peace which is central to Christ’s mission.
It shall be:
A Venue
- for fellowship and cooperative work among faithfuls and
- for forging and strengthening unity of oppressed and marginalized sectors of society –the basic masses
- in the struggle for justice and peace.
A Resource Center
- where the basic masses, churches, ministers, institutions/ organizations and other advocates can find assistance and support.
An Agency
- which promotes ecumenism, justice and peace to churches and communities.
Objectives
As such, the Center shall ENDEAVOR to:
- Establish connection and work closely with and among religious organizations / ecumenical bodies
- Forge solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized sectors of society in the struggle for justice and human rights.
- Enhance the capacity of the Seminary to carry out and propagate ecumenism, justice and peace ministry by equipping its faculty, students, staff and other members of the community with necessary Tools, Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge.
- Establish alliances and networks with different institutions/ organizations with similar advocacy to widen the basis of support in advancing the cause of justice and peace.
- Gather needed resources to effectively carry out its programs and activities.
Program Component
The Center shall IMPLEMENT the following:
Inter-Seminary Fellowship and Ecumenical Studies. The program is about establishing closer encounter and cooperation with other seminaries in pursuit of common theological grounding in doing missions and promoting the cause of peace and justice.
UTS Sanctuary. The reality of “Bakwit” has to be responded adequately and compassionately by Christian churches. Foremost of these is sheltering and providing them secure place. UTS is a vast hollowed ground where they can find sanctuary.
Dialogue with the Basic Sectors. This is related to the above program where the Center provides the venue for different sectors to share their stories and reflection. (e.g. Wednesday Forum at UTS). This would enhance understanding and strengthen partnership between the seminary/church and the sectors in common search for truth and to struggle for justice and pea.
Ecumenical, and Justice & Peace Education Program. This is a series of lectures, group discussions, seminars or modular study program, both practical/pastoral and theoretical/theological, to enhance the churches, the church workers and the seminary’s capacity to advance the cause of ecumenism, and of justice and peace.
Research, Documentation and Publication and Resources Build-up. This is the end product of the Center where UTS, the churches and the academic community can benefit by utilizing available educational and logistical resources.
Networking/Linkaging. This is the establishment of network of organizations/ institutions/ individuals to expand the ministry for justice and peace.
Resource Generation and Mobilizations. To fully operationalize the Center, resource generation and mobilization must be integrated in all its programs.
