Dimapur: Eastern Theological College added another course in the academic programme by introducing Master of Arts in Peace Studies, a two-year distance education programme and officially launched on April 30.
Dr. Razouselie Lasetso, Dean of ILEMA, chaired the inaugural programme. Professor Razou stated that the prevailing situation in the region is smeared by violence, deep scorching poverty, illiteracy, backwardness, lack of modern development, people’s movements demanding and fighting for their rights, strong tribal affiliations. He said that this often promote tribalism and conflicts, gender violence, rampant corruption, violence against children, land boundary disputes, etc., have impacted and continue to affect every individual and community in the region adversely. “Living in such a context and experiencing the inability to co-exist peacefully prompted the College to introduce the peace studies course with an aim to equip church/public leaders and theological graduates in dealing with the conflict situation of the region so that church ministry and theological education remain ever relevant,” said Razou.
Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, President, ETC lighted the candle and offered a prayer to mark the launching of the programme. He challenged the gathering by saying, “the perilous time we are experiencing today is a sign that we are moving towards the end time and that peace is the most desired and coveted commodity both in individual as well as in family life, in the church and society, particularly in our beloved region.” He further said, “often our use of language is not understandable to our people and in our context... we pray but it is not often generated in reality... we preach but it is not often practiced with commitment...” He called on the gathering to ‘commit to be true’ so that our words, action and conscious participation in building peace in the region and beyond will certainly bring glory and honour to our God.
Principla of ETC, Rev. Dr. Akheto Sema, Principal told the first batch of the students that “the course should not be a matter of luxury but specialize in Peace Studies because they have a commitment to fulfill and that is to participate in building peace for the Glory of God.”
In his concluding remark, Dean of ILEMA, Dr. Razou informed the gathering that the course is designed to be a quality professional programme with practical works to equip trainers to deliver a relevant and contextual ministry. The curriculum is indigenous in its content, nature and purpose, he said. He also said that the programme is targeted at church and public leaders who are engaged in ministry or peace concerns and yet unable to come for full-time studies due to various reasons and yet have a burden to address peace concerns in the region and beyond. This was stated in an official communiqué of the College.
