On February 14, 2011 TWU President, Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D., Provost Dennis Jameson, Ph.D., and faculty members gathered with dignitaries and members of the Mennonite community to witness the historic signing of an agreement between Trinity Western University and the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society (MFLS) for the establishment of an endowed professorship/chair in Anabaptist-Mennonite Theology.
“This is a major step for Trinity Western University,” said Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D. “Our hope is that one day this will grow into a centre for Mennonite studies.”
Given the significant Mennonite presence in the Fraser Valley, this initiative is an important way for the Mennonite community to engage in constructive theological dialogue with other Christian traditions.
“I see a situation in which many people, far beyond the groups represented by the signatories, will benefit greatly,” said John H. Redekop, Ph.D., president of MFLS.
The endowed professorship/chair on the campus of Trinity Western University will facilitate a deeper understanding of Anabaptist-Mennonite theological heritage, contemporary issues, and differences between the Anabaptist-Mennonite theology and the other evangelical theologies and how they inform each other. And for Mennonite churches, the chair will be an important ally—another locus of expertise to be consulted.
This partnership enhances TWU’s efforts to create a vibrant learning environment and serve the educational interests of one of its important supporting constituencies.