The essays in this volume reflect the journey of a team from Myanmar and India listening and learning from each other. The intention is for theologians, pastors, and public intellectuals from Southeast Asia, starting from the Association of Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), to initiate or strengthen discussions on the theme of Public Witness. In situations where the discussion has begun, we hope this contribution will add to the process. At a fundamental level, this volume will trigger a rethinking of Mission in Myanmar in the context of re-imposed military rule.
The volume is divided into three parts. The first offers an introduction, leading up to the book and to the Association of Theological Education in Myanmar (ATEM), the second a section on theology of Public Witness and broad theoretical formulations concluding with a wide array of the contemporary issues on the ground. The articles come out of the five workshops, for professional theologians from seminaries, social activists from a Christian faith background and pastors.
This collection of essays is a bright example of an ecumenical and transnational discussion of sociopolitical and religious issues in a theological perspective. It is illuminating and is a valuable resource for teaching and encouraging future ministers to reflect on a biblical basis on the public dimension of their ministries in the Myanmar context.
Rev. Michael Biehl, Evangelische Mission Weltweit--Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany
Very few theological reflections have come out of the Myanmar soil, but Toward a Public Theology in Myanmar, like a breath of fresh air, brings new theological exploration. This is a valuable book for theological students, pastors, and theologians who have a passion for harmonious relations and peaceful coexistence. The book proposes diverse theological elements for peacebuilding from the perspective of the suffering people. Violence, the result of injustice, increases suffering to the people of Myanmar, but loving peace with justice can reduce suffering (dukkha in Pali). This book is a great source for finding theological elements and methods for a public theology in Myanmar to promote peace through justice.
Rev. Si Khaw, PhD, Associate General Secretary, Mara Evangelical Church in Myanmar
Even a cursory glance into this book establishes the deep connect that Myanmar, also called Burma, has with India. The countries share a common history of the spread of Christianity and therefore a common development of theological education. Several Indian liberation theologians ventured into the theological world of Burma and contributed significantly to the strengthening of the voices of young Burmese theologians. Dr. Dyanchand Carr, from India, stands out among them, and as this volume demonstrates, he among others took a firm decision to venture into the politically troubled, land-locked country of Burma and supported the development of a theology that is unique to that context.
What makes this book special is the commitment of theologians from Myanmar and India to support each other in the birth of a theology that matters to the people in their context of imposed military rule. This work offers a breath of fresh air as solidarity among these Asian theologies and theologians flourishes. It certainly sets the tone for a vibrant and creative future of solidarity and cooperation.
Dr. Aruna Gnanadason, director of the Women in Church and Society and the Justice, Peace and Creation programs of the World Council of Churches; and on the staff of the WCC's Ecumenical Decade of the Churches in Solidary with Women
This collection of essays is rare and exceptional as it attempts public theology informed by incisive analysis and insightful reflection on a range of complex and critical issues that characterize today's Myanmar. These essays give expression to the deeply cherished yearnings of people for the dawn of a polity of justice, peace, and freedom. Accompanied by deeply committed partners in some parts of the world, Toward a Public Theology in Myanmar testifies that partnership is an expression of mission that lives out God's intentions for a world of interconnected and interdependent relationships.
Rev. Dr. Deenabandhu Manchala, former Southern Asia Area Executive of Global Ministries, United Church of Christ & Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), USA
