09.04.2024

International Study Programme 2024 starts

The participants on a visit at the UEM, togehter with Rev Dr Claudia Währisch Oblau and Dina Kipker, UEM, Photo: Naomi Simanjuntak / UEM

Innocent Shima Kamananga, EAR, meeting Rev Dr John Wesley Kabango, UEM, Photo: Naomi Simanjuntak / UEM

Emmi Baruti (ELCT-NED), left, and Luisa Givero (UCCP), Photo: Naomi Simanjuntak / UEM

"War and Peace as an ecumenical Challenge to the Churches" is the title of this year's International Study Programme. For the third time, the Kirchliche Hochschule Wuppertal and the United Evangelical Mission are offering international students the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, network, and to spend the months of April to June together on the university campus in Wuppertal.

9 students are taking part in the educational programme this year. They come from the DR Congo, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania and Germany.

"We are delighted that there is once again so much interest in the programme.This year of the International Study Programme is characterised by great diversity among the participants.They are at very different stages of life and come from all three regions of the UEM.They therefore bring not only intercultural but also their own perspectives from theological theory and church practice into our discussions," says Pastor Dr Claudia Währisch-Oblau, head of the Evangelisation Department of UEM and part of the organizing team and lecturer.

The lawyer and a Master’s theology student Innocent Shima Kamananga from the EAR*, a member church of the UEM, is fulfilling a long-standing wish by taking part. He already has a legal Practice degree and worked for several years as a legal advisor in the EAR in Rwanda. In 20years ago, he has never given up his aspiration to study theology. In his first attempt to attempt this programme, the Visa authorities rejected his request because, as a senior advocate in practice from Rwanda, they did not comprehend how a professional lawyer is pursuing theological studies. "So, I feel pleased and motivated to be able to take part now!" says Innocent Shima Kamananga.

Luisa Givero from the UCCP* and Emmi Baruti from the ELCT-NED* regard their participation as a great opportunity to get to know other perspectives and gain new impetus for their ministry in their home churches. "I come from Tanzania - a country that has been at peace for a long time.But what does peace actually mean and how can we preserve it and work towards it?" is how Emmi Baruti, a doctoral student in theology, summarised her expectations of the topic.

We wish all students a great time on the Holy Mountain in Wuppertal!

More Information on the International Study Programm!

*EAR = Anglican Church of Rwanda

*UCCP = United Church of Christ in the Philippines

*ELCT-NED = North-Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania