In the fall of 1999, the Pacific School of Religion, the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, the Institute for World Religions, and the Graduate Theological Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, specifying areas of conversation. This past January, the same U.S. entities met for a retreat to plan further steps and coordination of existing and future ventures related to Asia. The result is the Asia/Pacific Working Group, whose first agenda will be an inventory of what is going on with existing plans covering all GTU schools and related affiliated groupings. Specially invited national figures in theological education were impressed by existing resources and how, with an overall plan, the GTU community could make major contributions to theological education in relation to Asia and the Pacific Rim.

Internally, the GTU is in the process of completing a phase of consortial planning begun about two and a half years ago. Although many details are still under review, the basic concepts and outlines can be delineated. Fundamental is that for all the differences of accent among the schools and in relation to the doctoral program, the GTU as consortium is one reality. It may be governed with major authority by either the Council of Presidents or the GTU Board, with the other having a concurrent or consulting role. Administratively, the GTU president and dean, who in more recent years were mainly concerned with the doctoral program and the common library, will now also be expected to be concerned with the whole. Hence the GTU president, a member of the Council of Presidents, is the chief officer for the corporation known as GTU.

This is more than an administrative change. It is bringing the GTU in line with the GTU as a whole, the joining of resources in such a way that each school and related entities are strengthened by what they bring and contribute to each other. It makes planning a central and continued enterprise, as the various parts are both unique and shared for the common good.

Most important, the GTU consortium is moving ahead in many areas, even as planning is going on. High on the agenda are strengthening the interfaith resources and the expansion of the library and other common facilities on Holy Hill, both areas needed for educational purposes.

Best wishes for the spring,
John Dillenberger