The 4th graduation of Christian Academy for Advanced Theological Studies went well. We experienced the grace of God by seeing the 12 successful candidates who graduated in their masters program. The splendor of the service was enhanced greatly by our Chief Guest Dr. Aruna Gnanadason. She gave a wonderful and very relevant Graduation Address. It was not only relevant for the student rather it is addressed for the whole Church. Some Highlights from the Graduation Address BECOMING PEACE BEARERS Subtitle JESUS WEEPS: RESISTING VIOLENCE BUILDING PEACE Today, in a context of violence our three-fold evangelizing role is the following. • to experience solidarity with people of all faiths by witnessing to a spirituality common to all religions, and a commitment to overcome violence. • to reveal Christian uniqueness by boldly and courageously going deeply into the heart of our faith and proclaiming Jesus as the “pact” that God makes with all those who live in a context of violence in our world, particularly the most vulnerable. This requires us to not isolate ourselves as a special community – we have to boldly step out and stand beside Dalits and Tribals who face violence; women and children who live in daily fear; workers and farmers who face the violence of the “development” paradigm and so on. In a bid for self-preservation we as Christians and the churches have forgotten what we are called to be. • to become the Church of Jesus Christ in our country today, through our actions for healing and reconciliation between peoples of all faiths.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 05:55:46 +0000