Minutes of the Steering Committee Meeting, Graz 2001
Graz, Austria, 26-27 August, 2001
Present:
Prof. Dr. Peter Hünermann, President
Prof. Dr. Marcio Fabri dos Anjos, Vice-president
Prof. Dr. Anne E. Patrick, Vice-president
Dr. Thomas Fliethmann (ET)
Prof. Dr. Gideon Goosen (ACTA)
Prof. Dr. Bradford Hinze (CTSA)
Prof. Dr. Leo Karrer (ET)
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Larcher (ET)
Prof. Sergio Silva (Soc. Chilena de teologia, 27 August only)
Observer and Guest: Prof. Dr. Georg Nadamana (India)
Actions:
1. Opening Remarks.
Brief introductions, a review of INSeCT history, and an overview of the plan for the meeting were provided by President Peter Hünermann, with contributions also from the other officers.
2. Minutes.
Approval was given for the minutes from the August 1999 Steering Committee meeting at Leuven.
3. Reports from Officers.
Peter Hünermann described the current list of members (ordinary and extraordinary) and provided a written report concerning recent activities and decisions of the Steering Committee and his own activities; see document #1, dated Rottenburg 23 August 2001.
Anne E. Patrick mentioned her recent contacts with the South African and Caribbean societies, as well as the international missiological society. She also reported on the luncheon meeting held during the CTSA convention on 10 June 2000 for INSeCT delegates who happened to be present in San Jose, and who used the occasion to update each other on developments in their societies. She indicated that this small gathering confirmed the value of face-to-face sharing, saying that internet communications work better after people are personally acquainted. Participants included Shawn Copeland (BCTS), Orlando Espín (ACHTUS), Thomas Fliethmann (ET), Robert Gascoigne (ACTA), and Anne E. Patrick (CTSA), with CTSA hosting the event. (Patrick also gave a report to the CTSA business meeting concerning INSeCT during both 2000 and 2001 conventions). Patrick and Bradford Hinze had brought a few copies of the recent CTSA program and report concerning the Mandatum, and these were described and given to interested delegates. Marcio Fabri dos Anjos described the situation in Brazil, where in addition to SOTER there are separate societies for areas such as Bible, Moral Theology, etc., but indicated that to date only SOTER has expressed an interest in developing international connections.
4. Discussion of Webpage.
Peter Hünermann presented the report of Webmaster Oliver Dyma (see document #2), mentioning that the societies make better use of the webpage by sharing articles, etc. more often. There can also be more links developed, and much greater use of the blackboard. ET intends to be sure their information is mentioned in the future. Anne E. Patrick suggested that the Webmaster send an e-mail message four times a year to request brief news items from member societies. Bradford Hinze suggested that someone monitor the News Service to see whether or not it proves useful. Thomas Fliethmann suggested there be more effort made to invite the involvement of societies from Africa and Asia, and Bradford Hinze inquired whether there is a way the webpage could be made more helpful to graduate students by making is possible to contact scholars according to their disciplinary specialties.
5. Financial Report and Discussion.
Peter Hünermann presented an account of dues received and expenses incurred since 1999. The corrected report (see document #3) indicates CTSA dues payments and his own personal funds have been the primary sources of funds for the last two years, with some dues also provided by ACTA, ACHTUS and BCTS. Gerard Larcher declared that any dues owed by ET would soon be paid. The main expenses for INSeCT are for a stipend for the Webmaster, amounting to about 1000 DM annually.
6. Preparing for the Network Council Meeting in 2002.
a. ELECTION.
Because all of the current officers will complete their second terms next year, and will be ineligible for re-election, there was a discussion of the need to plan for a smooth transition to new leadership at that time. Those present concluded that it was advisable for them to propose the following list of candidates to those who will attend the Network Council meeting next year: Bradford Hinze as nominee for president and Sergio Silva and Thomas Fliethmann as nominees for vice-president. All three are willing to serve in the capacities indicated. There would also be an invitation to the member societies to provide further nominations for these offices. An election of officers will then take place at the Network Council meeting.
b. TIME AND PLACE.
Because there was uncertainty about the plans for the COCTI meeting that had been anticipated for 2002, the delegates discussed some alternative possibilities for a meeting time and location. There was discussion of perhaps meeting in South America, since travel costs are prohibitive for Africa. Some thought was given also to joining with the CTSA during its convention, planned for Philadelphia during 6-9 June 2002. The ideal time for a meeting, however, seems to be during the last part of July or the first part of August. It was noted that the Argentine society will meet during the last week of July, and there will also be a meeting in Chile at some time. Marcio Fabri dos Anjos mentioned that SOTER will meet during the first or second week of July, and there will also be a gathering of bioethicists in Brasilia. He also mentioned that a gathering of Redemptorists will bring him to Europe during 7-12 July 2002.
It was concluded that the Steering Committee members will explore the options (COCTI, South America, Europe, North America) for the 2002 meeting, and come to a decision by the end of October.
Also, Peter Hünermann will send a letter to member societies concerning the election planned for 2002, the possibility of adding to the list of nominees, and the need for payment of dues.
7. Final Note of Appreciation
Those present at the steering committee resolved that Oliver Dyma should be informed of their appreciation for his work as Webmaster, as well as for the fact that he will continue in this position for the next two years.
Documents presented by President at the meeting:
- Activities and decisions of the Steering Committee, activities of the President (Rottenburg, 23 August 2001)
- Report of the Webmaster
- Financial Report
Minutes prepared by Anne E. Patrick
October 10, 2001