Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, Canada have expressed their mutual interest in expanding their partnership through the Visiting Scholars Program. This initiative aims to foster sustainable, reciprocal, and equitable relationships between the Faculty of Theology at UKDW and Mennonite seminaries in North America, with plans to extend these connections to Mennonite seminaries globally. Supported by organizations such as the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Mennonite Mission Network (MMN), and Mennonite Church Canada International Witness (CW), two international visiting scholars from CMU, Wendy Kroeker and Gordon Zerbe, spent the entire even semester of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Faculty of Theology at UKDW.
Rev. Paulus Sugeng Widjaja, MAPS, Ph.D., one of the program coordinators at UKDW, emphasized that Wendy and Gordon’s expertise in peacebuilding and theology would provide valuable insights to UKDW. He highlighted Wendy Kroeker’s role as a professor at CMU specializing in Peace and Conflict Transformation, noting her extensive experience in interfaith peacebuilding in the Philippines. Given Indonesia’s context, particularly in interfaith relations, Paulus believed that UKDW’s academic community could greatly benefit from Wendy’s expertise. Additionally, Paulus mentioned the significant contribution of Gordon Zerbe, an expert in New Testament studies focusing on Paul’s letters, particularly in the context of church-state relations from a Mennonite theological perspective, which would enrich and inspire the Faculty of Theology at UKDW.
Throughout the program, Wendy and Gordon were involved in various activities at UKDW, including co-teaching courses with UKDW professors, conducting joint research, delivering public lectures, and establishing initiatives such as an international summer school and the Centre of Mennonite Studies. Wendy also taught a joint course attended by master’s students from both CMU and UKDW, highlighting the collaborative nature of the program.
Wendy expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s approach of bringing together students from different backgrounds, noting the active engagement and meaningful interactions among participants. She commended UKDW for creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives and address significant social issues, preparing them for a globalized world.
Gordon also shared his positive experience with the program, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and fruitful exchanges with UKDW faculty and students. He acknowledged the importance of personal connections in fostering successful partnerships and encouraged ongoing collaboration based on strong relationships.
Both Wendy and Gordon expressed their hope for the program’s continuation, envisioning a future of expanded collaboration and shared learning experiences. They emphasized the value of building personal connections as the foundation for successful partnerships and urged a focus on nurturing these relationships for long-term program success. [ai/ed.drr]