Methodist educational institutions affiliated to the Philippines Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries (PAMSCUS) are participating in Convention of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU), scheduled for June 19-21. PAMSCUS is also a leading organization within ACSCU, with many of its institutions and leaders occupying prominent positions. The President of ACSCU is Judge Benjamin Turgano, who is also the President of Wesleyan University. The Secretary of ACSCU is Dr. Cristina Mañabat, President of Harris Memorial College (another PAMSCUS member). Another leader in the association is Dr. Florita Miranda, President of the Wesleyan College of Manila and also President of the Asia Pacific Association of Methodist Educational Institutions (APAMEI).
The Convention Theme
In 2022, ACSCU celebrates its 60th Anniversary and focuses on the theme “ACSCU: Shaping a Humane, Inclusive, Just and Sustainable Society,” guided by the biblical passages of Genesis 1:31 and Revelation 21:5. Two scholars related to IAMSCU were invited to give be the keynote speakers.
One of the keynote speakers at the opening of the Convention is Bishop Dr. Emerito P. Nacpil, whose lecture focuses on the tension between “Spirituality and Secularity,” based on the five-volume book series he has been publishing under the title A Spirituality that Secularizes through the Wesleyan College Press. Taking into account current scientific debates in matters such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Nacpil argues that educational institutions need to promote a spirituality that dialogues with these recent trends. Celebrating his 90th birthday in 2022, Nacpil is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC), was elected as the first Asian to serve as President of the UMC’s worldwide Council of Bishops, taught Systematic Theology and was the Dean of the Union Theological College in the Philippines. He received his PhD from another Methodist-related educational institution in the United States, Drew University. IAMSCU members are encouraged to read the various volumes of Nacpil’s A Spirituality that Secularizes.
Another keynote speaker was Professor Dr. Amos Nascimento, who discussed the need for educational institutions to address the challenges and opportunities of globalization and worldwide connections as they seek to promote a “humane, inclusive, just, and sustainable society.” Nascimento serves as Lead Global Officer at GBHEM, Secretary-Treasurer of IAMSCU, Chair of the Education Committee of the World Methodist Council, and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Washington. His recent research has focused on Human Rights, and he has published monographs, edited and co-edited books such as Brasil: Perspectivas Internacionais (2001), Im Zwielicht der Aufklärung (2009), Building Cosmopolitan Communities (2013), Human Rights, Human Dignity, and Cosmopolitan Ideals (2014), Human Dignity (2018), and Global United Methodism (2019).
More about ACSCU
The Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) was established in 1946 and is now holding its 60th Convention. It focuses on the quality of Christian education and promotes a sense of unity, understanding and fellowship among its members, so they can offer better service to their communities. ACSCU members are schools or institutions in the Philippines which are founded by and affiliated with Christian churches or denominations in the Protestant tradition. It includes representatives from the Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Adventist, United Church, and other denominations. ACSCU is a founding member of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) and cooperates with other associations such as the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU), the Technical-Vocational Schools Association of the Philippines (TEVSAPHIL), and the Philippines Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries (PAMSCUS). For more information on PAMSCUS, contact The Rev. Dr. Connie S. Mella: csmella.uts@gmail.com