The Vice President
Rev. Dr. Moreli J. Niuatoa
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean
Lecturer in General and Interdisciplinary Studies
MARE, PhD, Claremont School of Theology
The economic realities of the 21st century are placing increasing pressure on small, independent seminaries like Kanana Fou Theological Seminary. While the financial reality of providing opportunities for theological education is challenging, the need for theologically trained lay and ordained leaders remains strong. As we continue to witness the psychological and spiritual impact of economic downfall on our churches and community, we see the urgent need for a new approach to theological education--a new paradigm shift that embraces both the past and present. I am not talking about re-entertaining the flaws of the past but rather innovatively creating a new platform of theological education that carry on the shadow of the greatest effort of those who paved our way to the present.
As a member of the Kanana Fou community, I am very proud to be part of this critical theological education conversation, and even more proud of us all for the way that we expressed our gospel values so clearly. I believe this renewed sense of unity, purpose, and hope is a sign of the coming of the Spirit to breathe new life into our part of the Christian family in helping our world a better one.
During my four year tenure, the value we place on theological education at Kanana Fou is vitally important. Our formation encourages students to think for themselves as educators from the time they begin their theological education journey, and the strength of their ability to integrate intellectual information and the practical aspects of ministry in their learning.
It is significantly important to express theology through the thought patterns of our time, the “now.” The “thought patterns” of the past has laid a pathway for us today; they all contributed to a shift in the fundamental way we view the social and physical world, moving us in the direction of a very relational view. But it is not simply a matter of understanding the details of what each thought said or the school of thought they represents. Rather they have changed the intellectual climate within which we all think today. It is for this reason, I believe the vision for theological education at Kanana Fou needs to be organic and developing and the institutional functioning needs to reflect current thought patterns and movement.
Since my time teaching in the seminary, I have tried to live into the wisdom of my colleagues and mentors, while using my privilege to be an ally to those working for change in theological education. I have sought to join with others to build communities that celebrate diversity, achieve true mutuality, and offer dignity and opportunity to all. It is my hope to leave this community and remembered as a person who diligently collaborated with others to envision and realize a new path of theological education fitting for the 21st millennium.
Keep up the faith.
Rev. Dr. Moreli J. Niuatoa