Dear Friends of the GTU,

The idea of “contextual theology”—that our understanding of the task of theology is inescapably shaped by the contexts in which we find ourselves—dominates the landscape in theological education today. I take this fundamental premise to be true: our thinking about the purposes, goals, and structure of theological education depends on what is going on in the world in which we live. Vibrant educational institutions are ones that not only respond to the dynamics of current issues, but that also understand their historical mission in light of renewed challenges, new threats and opportunities.

Context has been integral to the GTU’s self-understanding from its inception. In 1962 the context of our founding was the conviction that theological education was necessarily done in ecumenical dialogue among Protestants and Catholics. Today the focus of our dialogue builds on these foundations to include other faith and cultural traditions as well.

Over the last 40 years the GTU has grown into the promise that was there at the beginning. We are, I believe, the premier theological consortium in this country and perhaps the world. Our niche is characterized by:

• The standards of academic excellence that are our hallmark;
• Our commitment to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue;
• The “engaged” quality of our scholarship, where thinking and doing come together;
• Our commitments to interdisciplinary methods of analysis;
• Our commitment to bringing the insights of religion and ethics to discussions of the public good; and
• Our interest in Asia as we detect the dynamics of future religious influences.

We are an institution that was created for dialogue amidst differences. I am enormously proud of the GTU’s achievements and of its creativity and resolution in today’s context as we face the ongoing challenges of providing the best theological education possible. This issue profiles two new graduates whose work illustrates our commitments. Laura Roberts examines the role of interpretation in the context of the Mennonite tradition, and Jaime Balboa works—both as a scholar and an activist—to address issues of difference among oppressed minorities. These are just two of the fifty-nine remarkable individuals in our 2003 graduating class.

I thank each of you for your interest in the life of this institution, and encourage your continued support for the GTU's work on behalf of the religious and academic leaders of tomorrow.

With warm regards,
James A. Donahue

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