The Faculty of Divinity

Report on the Celebrations and Discussions Around the Closure of

The Faculty of Divinity, Rhodes University and the Federal Theological Seminary (FEDSEM)

Whenever the conversation around Ecumenical Theological Education arises, the closure of the Faculty of Divinity at Rhodes and, particularly of FEDSEM, seems to present an impasse to further discussion. The issue of trust being impaired, has been a major consideration. Our committee consisting of Barney Pityana, Makhosi Nzimande, Des van der Water, Craig Morrison, Charmaine Morgan, Purity Malinga, Zwai Mthyobile, Graham Duncan and Paul Verryn decided to convene in Grahamstown, Alice and Pietermaritzburg to “Remember, Rejoice and Renew”. The gatherings took place on 21st and 22nd of January in Grahamstown and Alice respectively and then on !8th February in Pietermaritzburg where the basic outline of the programme consisted of a gathering on the sites of the Faculty and FEDSEM, a discussion of Ecumenical Theological Education and a Eucharistic celebration.   The order of events differed in each context. Profs John Suggit, Bongani Finca and Graham Duncan composed relevant liturgies for each event.   Letters were received from previous students, staff members and governing committee members. These were read at all three events.