Global Institute of Theology

Living together and learning as a global community

The Global Institute of Theology (GIT) nurtures and encourages the work of young theologians and scholars from around the world. This intensive short-term academic program is designed to give theological students and faculty an opportunity to learn, teach, and do theology in an inter-contextual and ecumenical way, connecting theology from the local to the regional and world levels.

Applications for the 2023 GIT are now open

After a pandemic-related delay, the GIT will be held 15 to 30 June 2023 in Suva, Fiji. Applications are due by 31 January 2023.

The specific goals of the GIT are fourfold:

  1. To build a community of learning and faith as students and faculty work together on vital themes in the Bible and theology today and create for ourselves an immediate international context;
  2. To encounter contemporary biblical and theological approaches in our interconfessional, intercultural and interreligious dimensions and on lived and living missiologies;
  3. To introduce the varying contextual perspectives on the Christian witness of the global Reformed family—bearing in mind our understanding of God’s mission in every continent and being aware of what our churches can learn from each other’s witness in the world;
  4. To strengthen global networks of sharing and reflection among theological students and faculty, church workers, theological institutions and churches for continuing action and reflection in the WCRC. This will also contribute to the ecumenical formation of a new generation of church leaders within the Reformed community.

These goals will be reflected in the way in which the institute is being organized. There will be core courses, which all students will be required to attend, as well as elective courses from which students may pick.
GIT-QuartetMural

Who can apply?

The Global Institute of Theology is intended for theological students and pastors beginning their ministry. We encourage applications from:

  1. women and men students—40 from all continents—preparing for Christian ministry at a theological school related to a WCRC member church or
  2. fresh theological graduates preparing for higher theological studies or pastors in their first years of ministry, recommended by WCRC member churches.

Applicants should have a particular interest in ecumenical theology and mission. The student body and faculty will reflect gender and regional balance, and thus the diversity of the Reformed family in the world today.

The WCRC is committed to the inter-contextual formation of new generations of Reformed leaders fully aware of the faith dimension of contemporary challenges such as economic injustice, environmental destruction, gender justice, interfaith solidarity, spiritual renewal, an inclusive welcoming church and Christian unity.

2017 GIT

The GIT in cooperation with theological institutions from around the world

Through the GIT, the WCRC intends to strengthen its ties with theological institutions related to its member churches, as well as facilitate further communication and cooperation among theological schools from different regions of the world.

Significant aspects of the Institute, such as the recruitment of prospective students, securing the financial resources necessary to enable students from countries in the Global South to participate and the general academic requirements for its operation, will be considered in consultation with supporting theological institutions.

Top image: Life on Earth / Paul Jeffrey