SYNDESMOS opens discussion on an Association of Orthodox Theological Schools

In a letter of 23 March 2001 to 100 Orthodox theological schools, sent together with the 2001 International Directory of Orthodox Theological Schools, Acting President Hildo Bos and Secretary General Rebecca Hookway, on behalf of the Board of SYNDESMOS, open the discussion on the possible establishment of an Association otf Theological Schools. The letter refers to the historical context of the membership of Theological Schools in SYNDESMOS, as well as perspectives for their future cooperation.

The first theological schools joined SYNDESMOS in 1964. This decision was originally motivated by the desire to reach youth in Eastern Europe where at the time theological schools were the only legal Church youth structures. In 1971, young Hieromonk Cyrill (Gundyayev), now Metropolitan of Smolensk, obtained permission for the Russian schools to join SYNDESMOS. Others followed, and throughout the Cold War, youth from theological schools in Eastern Europe, thanks to their membership in SYNDESMOS, were able to maintain some contacts with young Orthodox worldwide.

Since 1992, this situation has changed dramatically. Theological schools and youth movements in Eastern Europe enjoy full freedom. Many new schools have appeared, as is reflected in the Directory. At present, 28 out of the total 126 SYNDESMOS members are theological schools. If all existing schools were to join SYNDESMOS, its total membership would rise to more than 200, - which might be more than a youth fellowship, with its ever-changing leadership, can coordinate.

Over the past years, SYNDESMOS has struggled to respond to its explosive growth (from 48 to 126 movements in seven years). Far from all movements participate in SYNDESMOS life. It has even proven increasingly difficult to find experienced and qualified leadership. Participation of theological schools in the life of SYNDESMOS has, by and large, been limited to General Assemblies and consultations of theological schools, of which SYNDESMOS has organised seven with great success.

The following extracts from the letter mentioned above, addressed to theological schools, present the proposals towards the creation of an Association, and encourage the schools to take an active part in this process:

<< Taking into consideration the recent joint declaration of the heads of Orthodox churches in Nicea (December 2000), the recommendations of the 1995-1999 administration to the 1999 XVth General Assembly, the need expressed by many schools and the current membership situation, the SYNDESMOS Board of Administration decided in 1999 to initiate a study process into the possible establishment of an International Association of Orthodox Theological schools.

We would like to invite your school to be part of this exciting process. This idea has met with widespread support from schools, hierarchs and churches at large. An association could become a powerful tool in gathering Orthodox thought and experience, a link between the centres where future Orthodox clergy and laymen receive their spiritual and theological education.

The Association would function as a sister organisation of SYNDESMOS, with which it would closely co-operate. The modalities for this should be defined during the study process. It is only natural for SYNDESMOS to assist in the establishment of an Association of Orthodox Theological Schools. Pan-Orthodox co-operation between youth movements and schools has often gone hand in hand in the past. The very same theologians that gathered at the historic 1936 Orthodox Theological Congress in Athens - professors Alivisatos (Greece), Zankov (Bulgaria), Florovsky, Zenkovsky and Kartachov (Russian emigration), Popescu and Ionescu (Romania), Arseniev (Russian in Poland) and Mirkovic (Yugoslavia) - were the teachers of those who founded SYNDESMOS after World War II. Now the time has come for the youth movements to support the schools in joining forces.

The process for the Association of schools will be as follows:
o In early 2001, a Task Force will be established to plan an Assembly of schools in 2002 and to explore working structures of a future Association. Schools are invited to propose names for membership of the task force. Initiatives and suggestions for the work of the Task Force will come from the schools. Support and administration will be offered by the Executive Committee and General Secretariat of SYNDESMOS.
o During the course of 2001, the Task Force will consult with theological schools about the needs, expectations and commitment they would have towards an Association.
o In the winter of 2001-2002, the Task Force will gather in order to plan the 2002 Assembly and to draft a constitution of the Association of theological schools. The draft proposal will be sent to the schools during early 2002.
o In the summer of 2002, the founding Assembly of the Association of Orthodox Theological Schools will take place. Delegates from schools will discuss, amend and adopt the constitution (which, among other things, will describe co-operation with SYNDESMOS) and elect their leadership.

We are very excited about the prospect of a permanent structure of Orthodox theological schools! We look forward to your suggestions and support in what might prove a historic initiative.
We also hope to receive your suggestions for membership of the Task Force soon."

If you have any comments about the proposals made above, and would like to be part of a discussion related to the establishment of an Association of Theological Schools, please contact
syndesmos@syndesmos.org