A019 Theological Education and Formation in Languages other than English
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention celebrate the efforts being made within The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion to collaborate in offering theological education and formation in languages other than English; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention urge and promote increasing development and availability throughout The Episcopal Church of theological education and formation in languages other than English, including in our major seminaries and other programs of formation; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention encourage Spanish-speaking dioceses of The Episcopal Church to strengthen collaboration amongst themselves and with seminaries in the United States, and also with the Latin American Provinces and Spain to further develop and make widely available courses and materials in theological education and formation in Spanish; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention urge the seminaries and other institutions of formation, in collaboration with the non-US jurisdictions and the Standing Commission on World Mission to identify theological and other texts, especially in Anglican studies, most in need of translation for theological formation, and consult with the Office of Communications and others as appropriate to explore ways such translations can be made, following professional guidelines; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on World Mission, working with the Office of Global Partnerships, be tasked with urging and following up on this initiative.
Explanation
There is a great need to strengthen theological education in languages other than English. Few jurisdictions outside the United States have the resources to do this entirely on their own. Through greater collaboration amongst all Spanish-speaking provinces and dioceses, in particular, more quality materials and courses could be offered more widely, to the benefit of all.
In addition, very few materials pertinent to Anglican studies are available in any language other than English. French and Spanish, in particular, as well as Kreyòl, Chinese, and other languages are the primary language not only of significant parts of The Episcopal Church but throughout the Anglican Communion, making in-depth study of Anglican theology difficult for many members at all levels. There is a great need for more materials and translations not only in Spanish but also in French for the growing numbers of francophone Anglicans, not to mention other languages. By expanding theological education and formation in all languages in wide use in The Episcopal Church, the Church more fully embraces people whose primary language is other than English and becomes closer to becoming Beloved Community.