University of Pretoria and LTS Meeting
On Friday, the 2nd September some of the the Lutheran Theological Seminary staff members had the first introductory session with the various heads of departments in the theological faculty at the University of Pretoria [UP] to establish the Joint Supervisory Board to regulate the academic program to be offered in cooperation and partnership between UP and LTS starting 2012.
From the LTS Rev. David Tswaedi DD [Biblical Studies], Rev. Nathan Mntambo [Practical Studies] and Bishop Dr. Wilhelm Weber [Dogmatic Studies] were accompanied by Rev. Dr. Carl Rockrohr [Mission and Ethics] and Prof. Dr. Timothy Quill [LCMS Theological Education worldwide].
On the side of UP it was Prof. Dr. Johan Buitendag and his team consisting of the following professors Julian Müller DD[Adjunct dean]; Yolande Dreyer DD; Danie Veldsman DD [Dogmatics/Ethics]; Ernest van Eck DD [New Testament] and Pieter Venter DD [Old Testament]. Prof. Henk Potgieter [Head of ancient languages Greek and Hebrew] was attended by Dr. Jo-Mari Schräder. Professor Julian Müller DD was elected chairman of the Supervisory Board and Rev. Dr. Carl Rockrohr as the secretary.
Together we discussed the implications of the agreement between UP/LTS and planned the best way forward. It was decided that those teaching the same subjects would work together to familiarize us from the LTS with the subjects offered at the theological faculty of UP so that we too would be in the position to offer the required options for the BTh, BA [Theology] and diploma in theology. We are hopeful that this will significantly improve the options open to Lutherans from Africa to study academic theology and that prospective pastors of the Lutheran Church will benefit from attaining such an accredit degree too.
After the next meeting in the beginning of November was decided on, Bishop Dr. Weber handed over the complete volume of Lutheran Dogmatics in Zulu written by his father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD and published with the help of the Lutheran Heritage foundation to Dean Buitendag in appreciation for his astute leadership and his success in realizing this academic partnership between UP and LTS.
Article Adapted from LTS NEWS, September 2001
