Scholars Discuss Alliance Theology in its Different Expressions

The AWF International Committee on Theological Education (ICTE) met in early February to discuss the forthcoming AWF Quadrennial, finalize the Quadrennial Manifesto declaration and respond to requests to amend the AWF Statement of Faith.

On the 1st of February members of the ICTE met over Zoom to pray, share and discuss a number of topics relevant to the Alliance World Fellowship. First among them was the Quadrennial gathering planned for October in Ecuador. Should the event be able to go ahead, the ICTE is planning to hold a theological educators stream. This stream will have three sessions covering the Quadrennial Manifesto, Alliance local church identity, and discussions on the historic connection between deeper life and mission, the two main themes of the conference. Members of the ICTE along with invited guests will lead the workshops which are hoped to be times of sharing and discussion so we can learn from each other.

The Quadrennial Manifesto has been completed and is now under consideration by the AWF Executive Committee. The manifesto has been written in the context of the present state of the world and the role of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) within it. In particular, we have recognized the important role that the C&MA has in proclaiming the truths of the kingdom, that Christ brings salvation to the whole person, both soul and body, and that our ministry is therefore also to both aspects of the person. We look forward to sharing the manifesto with you in the near future and then taking the time to discuss its implications with you at the Quadrennial.

The ICTE also addressed a request to amend the AWF Statement of Faith in consideration of recent changes to statements of faith that have occurred across the Alliance world. The objectives of the revision were to ensure that the AWF statement remains inclusive of its national members but also retains the heritage and distinctives for which the Alliance is known. An amended statement was submitted to the AWF Executive Committee for consideration and will be debated at the Quadrennial meeting.

Please continue to pray for the ICTE and for the 90+ theological schools, seminaries and colleges that are operating around the Alliance world. Pray that God will give us all the wisdom, grace and resources we need to continue to serve him in this important ministry.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Peter Laughlin
Chair, ICTE