Dibin Samuel /Christian Today/ Jan 23, 2010: As part of its centenary celebration, the United Theological College (UTC) in Bangalore organised a three-day seminar to delve into postcolonial theologies within the Indian context.

The international conference titled "Envisioning Postcolonial Theologies to Decolonizing the Body of Christ" has culled over 100 participants, mainly postcolonial theorists and theologians from about 12 countries, including India.

"By analyzing missionary theologies and colonial logic associated with 'empire', a scholarly discussion will emerge that breaks the polarized disinterests between secular and sacred disciplines," said a note from the organisers.

In his inaugural address, Rt. Rev. Dr. J.S. Sadananda, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, CSI and the President of the Senate of Serampore, stressed the need for Ecumenism in the current mission of the Church.

After enumerating the significant milestones UTC achieved during the last 100 years of theological journey, Bishop Sadananda reiterated that the strength of the Indian Church rest on its theological outlook that realizes the plurality of socio-cultural and religious social context.

The Bangalore-based UTC in July 2009 had held a thanksgiving service to mark the centenary year to reminisce its journey since its inception in 8 July 1910.

The institution is famed for being one of the largest theological colleges in India, and the first of its kind and composition in the ecumenical history of the world church, with students ranging from mainline Protestants to Orthodox to Pentecostal traditions.

Bishop Green from the Anglican Church of England, UK extended his best wishes and called for wholistic liberation of the oppressed as continuing the mission of the Church.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs, also wished UTC on its 2010 centenary celebration. He also hailed the ongoing consultation on postcolonial studies as "very appropriate".

“Postcolonial studies put issues related to colonialism at the forefront of critical and intellectual enquiry with a clear focus on the issues related to the life of the communities," he said.