INFEMIT’s 2022 Stott-Bediako Forum had often been referred to as a “journey.” This turned out to be an accurate metaphor in many senses. As we reflect, it is our joy to share with you about the companions who joined us; the joys and challenges we faced; the unexpected surprises and hospitality on the way; and the unfinished path that we continue to explore.
“How I understand reconciliation is the transformation of relationships, that include for sure the transformation of interpersonal relationships…[but] we need to consider the other dimensions of reconciliation, forgiveness, and repentance, especially in contexts of post-armed conflict or of current exploitation and marginalization of human groups… I never speak of reconciliation without using the term ‘transformation.'” Listen to this podcast by Nina Balmaceda.
In this episode, we return to a conversation that we had with Jayachitra Lalitha during the Stott Bediako Forum on Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation from a lens of Postcolonialism and Indigenous Christianity. Listen and learn with us about “Native Indian Bible Women, Jesus’ Movement, and Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation.”
In this episode, we return to a conversation that we had with Obed Manwatkar during the Stott Bediako Forum. Listen and learn with us about Reconciling East and West: Life and Legacy of ‘Mahatma’ Jotiba Phule and the hope for OBCs in India.
We interviewed Obed about his work with OBCs (Other Backward Classes) and the idea of “debrahminization.” Together we imagined what caste reconciliation could look like and found hope in the God of the OBCs.
Kwame Bediako (1945-2008), one of the founders of INFEMIT, was one of the foremost African scholars and theologians of the 20th century and served as Rector of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute for Theology, Mission and Culture in Akropong, Ghana. We interviewed his mentee and friend, Benhardt Quarshie, to learn about and highlight Bediako’s significant contributions to the Global Church.
April 27, 2021 will mark the centenary of the birth the Englishman, Rev. John R. W. Stott (1921-2021). Arguably, John Stott was one the most influential evangelical leaders in shaping global evangelicalism in the 20th century. His life and legacy as a clergyman, scholar, writer, global evangelist, Bible expositor, and shaper of movements and institutions, has impacted leaders young and old on every continent.