2023 GIT: Another World Possible

The 2023 Global Institute of Theology (GIT) gathered more than three dozen people with two dozen languages from nearly 20 different countries in Fiji, for an intensive theological, educational, and cultural experience under the theme “Unsettling the Word in an Unsettled World.”

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) GIT nurtures and encourages the work of young theologians and scholars from around the world through an intensive short-term academic program designed to give participants 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.

“GIT is indeed a once in a lifetime, humbling and uplifting experience where we get to learn, unlearn, and relearn theological matters. I’m truly blessed to have been a part of it,” said Asinate Mataitoga, a Fijian student.

The 2023 GIT is the first to be held in the Pacific region, specifically at the Pacific Theological College, in Suva, Fiji. During the first week, all of the participants experienced the incredible hospitality of the Bau community with many students saying, “there are no words adequate to describe” what they have received.

This GIT is also specially focused on preaching, with each student bringing a message to the group over the course of their time together. “This has been empowering, inspiring, powerful, at times intense and anxious, but all sermons have been deeply personal,” said HyeRan Kim-Cragg, dean of GIT. “Each student tackled the issue that is close to their heart, whether it is gender-based domestic violence, racism, climate crisis, mining, or LGBTQ issues, while unsettling the Word—scripture, theology, anthropocentrism, and androcentrism. It is our desire and hope that these sermons will be shared within the Communion and beyond.”

“This intentional community of GIT 2023 has demonstrated that another world based on interdependence is possible and our intimate and intentional experiences will not only be memorable but also will become a source of transformation in our own glocal—global and local—realities as we bear witness to each other’s struggles and resistance with God who is already at work and very present and leading our faithful journey.” said Philip Vinod Peacock, WCRC executive for justice and witness.

The GIT is made possible through the financial support of member churches, Evangelische Mission Weltweit, and Fondation pour l’aide au Protestantisme Réformé.