SY 2004-2005: SEVENTY-EIGHT GRADUATES
On April 1, 2005, 78 students earned their degrees and received their diplomas from the Union Theological Seminary, Philippines. Graduates come from the Philippines, Myanmar and Korea.
Three Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) graduates hail from Myanmar but took residency in the Philippines---Joney Thawng Hup, Khup Thang Chongloi and Suan Muan Thang. The other seven Doctor of Ministry graduates earned their degrees from the UTS Korean Extension---Jun Chul Cha, Chan Yong Lee, Deok Soo Lee, Myung Kyu Lee, Choon Jong Park, Yong Dae Shin, and Suk Man Yun. The Koreans joined the ceremonies at the Grace Open Chapel, UTS Grounds.
There were thirty-one (31) residential students who earned their Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degrees: Bellalita C. Agbuis, Henry B. Agonias, Elmer A. Antipolo, Joel Q. Bengbeng (With High Honors; Awards: Contemporary Theology, Ecumenics, Bible, Community Leadership), Steve D. Bunyi, Julius N. Camannong, Analyn D. Casero, Dexter F. Ceballos (With High Honors; Awards: Mission and Evangelism, Preaching), Christopher M. Cruz, Noel S. Cua, Phoebe C. Dakanay (With Highest Honors; Awards: Contemporary Theology, Systematic Theology), Jasper D. del Rosario, Romeo P. Diaros, Mary Anne P. Doral, Gilbert S. Galvan, Mary Jean A. Gutierrez, Reynaldo B. Hernandez, Ferdinand B. Jose, Miriam L. Lagatao (Award: Pastoral Care and Counseling), Nathaniel W. Letana, Carlos D. Loyola, Rodrigo L. Meneses, Richard B. Navarro, Nazzer M. Oliveros, Park In Bum, Cesar F. Proceso, Lizette T. Raquel (With Highest Honors; Awards: Church History, Contemporary Theology, Ecumenics, Systematic Theology,), Reynaldo E. Tabora, Nicodemus L. Tuban (With Honors), Buson P. Valdez, and Wilfredo D. Vargas.
Only two (2) finished the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program in the Philippines: Robert S. Dablo and Joatam S. Margarata. On the other hand, there were ten (10) who finished the course in Korea: Cho Sung Geun, Choi Ji Woo, Jang Soon Jik, Kim Hong Suk, Kim Ji Hyoung, Kim Kwang Sul, Kim Kang Sul, Ko Jea Suk, Lee Sang Jun, Oh Sun Hwa, and Yun Gi Seob. Only one residential student earned the Bachelor of Religious Education degree: Dalia C. Bombarda.
On the Theological Education by Extension (T.E.E.) sector, four (4) finished the Master of Ministry (M.Min.): Emmanuel A. Adviento, Ricky T. Bautista, Jake B. Bolotano, and Golda S. Taopo.
Eighteen (18) students finished the Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) program: Lita R. Abasola, Ricardo U. Alano, Jr., Mamerto D. Andamon, Natividad C. Apelo, Allan S. Cenit, Danilo V. de los Santos, Gloria Z. Estrella, Myline Joy A. Flores, Maria Fe T. Legaspi, Rodolfo Y. Mahusay, Romeo S. Mangubat, Manuel E. Ortiz, Sergio A. Ramos, Jr., Amado C. Rodriguez, Jr., Ely Dante B. Solano, Gracia G. Tiglao, Dominador S. Ugsang, and Josefina N. Unida. One was awarded a Certificate of Theolo-gical Studies (CTS): Dionisia S. de los Trinos.
Straight from the Heart. . .
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/Editor
In his homily, after he was elected as pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, the former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, said in part, “Our ministry is a gift of Christ to humankind, to build up His body---the new world. We live our ministry in this way, as a gift of Christ to humanity.” To me, it is a commentary in itself, in other words, it is self-explanatory.
I want to believe that this is not coincidence with what is happening to the Protestant and/or evangelical sector(s). These months of April and May are conference time for both the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and for other supporting denominations related to the seminary. During the conference, before the reading of appointments, candidates for the ministry, for probationary status, and for ordination are seriously considered by either a governing board or commission. They could either be pastors or deaconesses, or for special ministries and appointments, and others without a church appointment, not to mention those who will be retired.
Our seminary graduates are there---recent and otherwise, sharing the eagerness and expectation, and [to some church workers] the pains of frustration for a conference appointment. A good number get what they wished for, many will have their desired positions, and others (without even the benefit of consultation) will be content with the “leftovers.”
It has become a common practice in one denomination to “import” pastors (elders, probationers, and even seminary student-local-pastors) from other annual conferences or episcopal areas and are given “choice” local churches or congregations. They will be appointed as a district leader or administrative pastors of prime churches in the metropolis leaving many of the “in-house” elders, probationers, and seminary student-local-pastors to medium or smaller congregations, or even to house churches or mission satellites. This could be disciplinary, but is it practical or logical? We could easily surmise that “some commitments” were made before. We do not even need an explanation. It’s plain expression of a “memorandum” of agreement.
Our graduates will be back to their home districts and annual conferences to start a journey as commissioned or ordained pastors. They expect a place to serve and work after several years of preparation in the seminary. Some of them will be accepted with open arms and love; others will be seen as “threat” to some “safe-houses” because they have exhibited prominence and gifts or talents. Many will become an inspiration or a challenge to our young people, or even as the hope for a better church in terms of mission and evangelism, or other church concerns and activities. High expectations are expressed by church lay leaders and local congregations, particularly from those who graduated with certain honors and/or awards. There will be lamentable comments, hardliners, and frustrations that will be heard from all levels. Graduates could be challenged and inspired, but others will be broken and discouraged. God forbid. But we are witnesses to these. Mortality rate is not only registered in the seminary; this is also seen after graduation.
Going back to the homily of Pope Benedict XVI, the ministry of our church workers---pastors and deaconesses---must be treated as a gift to the local churches, if not to the church as a whole or to humankind. The clergy and the laity should go hand-in-hand to build up the body of Christ on earth. Our aim should be one: the mission of our Lord to gather His children into love and grace, and for the salvation of God’s creation. Let every-one focus his/her eyes to Jesus Christ and let us help each other without throwing our tomorrow.
NO SIGN OF NEW LEADERSHIP
To date, we see no sign of new leadership at Union Theological Seminary as far as the office of the Vice President for Theological Education (VPTE) is concerned. We learned that the Commission on Theological Education (C.T.E.) had several meetings before the commencement exercises and several days after graduation day but nothing on the issue was resolved. There were other matters that were considered and approved especially those related to the commencement exercises and other significant items. In addition, we gathered that there were at least three contenders (others call them “applicants”) for the position from one of the supporting churches of the seminary. It must be noted that Rev. Dr. Oscar S. Suarez was given another five-year term as president of Philippine Christian University by the PCCL Board of Trustees. Dr. Suarez had served as the U.T.S. O.I.C. to the present from the time Dr. Anselmo Lupdag resigned in 2004. Could this be an indication of a non-coordinated move on the part of one denomination? This could have been resolved months ago.
TRIMESTER TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN JUNE SY 2005-2006
As per action of the Commission on Theological Education (C.T.E.) the Union Theological Seminary will be on trimester scheme starting June 2005. This was announced by Bishop Solito K. Toquero of the United Methodist Church and Bishop Eliezer Pascua of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, during a meeting with the student body of the seminary before commencement exercises. The bishops are members of the C.T.E. representing two mainline supporting churches.
To date schedule of classes and professors’ loads and venues are not yet on hand. A planning retreat is yet to be scheduled for this purpose.
GUANSING GRAVEYARD: MEMORABLE & HISTORICAL SPOT
One of the most visited places of the seminary grounds [especially by residential students, particularly in the evening] is the graveyard of Dr. & Mrs. Benjamin I. Guansing. During school days, not any night passes by without “visitors.” President Guansing, one must remember, was the first Filipino president of the seminary. He was born on February 24, 1908 and died on June 3, 1968, few months after he was elected to the United Methodist Church’s episcopacy. Mrs. Emilia R. Guansing, a big factor in the ministry and success of Dr. Guansing was born on March 30, 1902 and died on October 25, 1991, twenty-three years after Dr. Guansing’s demise. As far as we know, a special day for anyone of them is not set aside to celebrate their life and ministry. Written on the tombstone are these words: “This is the time to live and die for God.” They must be turning over their cold spots whenever they “witness” words and deeds expressed by frequent visitors of the graves by many couples and groups of students. Many residential students who are on summer exposure and those who will be on the internship program this coming school year, and those who have graduated last April will be [terribly] missing the “spot”.
STUDENTS’ RECITAL
Twenty students from the different degree programs of UTS performed during the Students’ Recital held at the Salakot Chapel last March 9. The evening recital concentrated on piano and voice. It was under the auspices of the Department of Sacred Music chair, Dr. Ruth Mandac-Arichea. Other music mentors were Prof. Debbie Fagaragan, Prof. Nomer de Guia, and Prof. Jane Gabuyo.
“CRUCIFIXION”
A mini-concert entitled “Crucifixion” was staged on March 22 at the Salakot Chapel. Performers were the Chapel Singers, Female Choir and Male Choir. Direction was the Department of Sacred Music chaired by Dr. Ruth M. Arichea. Prof. Nomeriano de Guia, Prof. Jane Gabuyo, and Prof. Joy Nilo were the accompanists. Conducting students conducted the Male Choir and the Female Choir.
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