About

Introduction to SPATS

The South Pacific Association of Theological Schools is an administrative and facilitating body comprised of theological schools of the (South) Pacific, excluding Papua New Guinea, which is served by the Melanesian Association of Theological Schools (MATS).

The member schools of SPATS are scattered across the Pacific, 8,000 km from end to end, from Tahiti in the east to the Solomon Islands in the west, from the Marshall Islands in the north to the Aotearoa in the south. The area straddles both the Equator and the 180 degree meridian.

It encompasses the three major geographic regions of the Pacific : Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. Its countries are made up of small clusters of islands, joined together by vast expanses of ocean, or the moana covering 90,000 sq.km. The total population of the Pacific is less than two and a half million.

The schools of SPATS are national institutions except for three, the Pacific Theological College, the Pacific Regional Seminary and Fulton College, serve the entire region. The member colleges are tertiary institutions giving attention to post-secondary education in preparation for Christian ministry. (The terms ‘college’ and ‘school’ are used interchangeably through the Handbook).

As of early 2015, there are 23 member institutions. The main objectives of SPATS are the strengthening of the theological education of the churches in the region by developing and maintaining high standards, and the promotion of co-operation and mutual consultation among the schools for theological research relating to the ministry and mission of the churches in the region.

The Association publishes the Pacific Journal of Theology, provides accreditation services, promotes faculty development, ecumenical learning, theological renewal and contextualization, and conducts programmes designed to meet the needs of theological education in the Pacific region. The Pacific Journal of Theology is published twice yearly. It seeks to stimulate theological thinking and writing by Christians living in or familiar with the South Pacific, and to share these reflections with church and theological education communities, and with all who want to be challenged to reflect critically on their faith in changing times.

The Weavers Committee of SPATS has a mandate to advocate theological education for women. Weavers affirm the dignity of women as created in God’s image and therefore partners with men in church and society. Weavers affirm both men and women should assert their equal responsibility and partnership as God’s people. Weavers promote theological education of women for full recognition and participation in all aspects of church and community life.

The governing body of SPATS is a Council made up of representatives of member schools, the officers of SPATS, the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, and co-opted members. The council meets every two years. Representatives of the member churches of the

Pacific Conference of Churches, secular educators, and other interested persons may attend but do not vote. Between Council meetings, SPATS affairs are conducted by an Executive Committee elected by the Council.

 

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Association was established in 1969 and were led by the following Presidents:

  • 1969 – 1975 President: Rev. Dr. George Knight of Pacific Theological College
  • 1975 – 1978 President: Rev. John Foliaki of Pacific Regional Seminary
  • 1978 – 1981 The Association was in abeyance
  • 1981 – 1983 President: Rev. Dr. Salesi Havea of Pacific Theological College
  • 1983 – 1985 President: Rev. Faitala Talapusi of  Pacific Theological College
  • 1986 – 1989 President: Rev. Laurence Hannan of  Pacific Regional Seminary
  • 1989 – 1994 President: Rev. Dr. Jovili Meo of Pacific Theological College
  • 1996 – 1997 President: Rev. Dr. Ulisese Sala of Kanana-Fou Theological Seminary
  • 1998 – 2000 Acting President: Dr. Nemani Tausere of  Fulton College
  • 2000 – 2002 President: Rev. Dr. Paulo Koria of Malua Theological College
  • mid-2002 Acting President: Rev. Doug Akehurst of Pacific Regional Seminary
  • 2002 – 2004 President: Rev. Tuikilakila Waqairatu of Methodist Davuilevu Theological College
  • 2004 – 2006 President: Rev. Veremo Dovarua of Pacific Regional Seminary
  • 2006 – 2010 President: Rev. Dr. Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka of Sia’atoutai Theological College
  • 2010-2014 President: Rev Prof. Feleterka Nokise of PTC
  • 2014 – 2016 President: Rev. Father Michael O’Connor of PRS
  • 2016-2018(Oct) President: Rev. Amy Chambers
  • 2018(Oct)-2019(May) Tessa Mackenzie (interim)
  • 2019(May)  President: Rev. Dr. Moreli J. Niuatoa

 

 

Conclusion

The South Pacific Association of Theological Schools is deeply grateful to the following partners of SPATS for their financial and technical contributions critical to the work of SPATS.

  • Ecumenical Theological Education
  • Evangelisches Missionswerk (- EMW Germany)
  • Fellowship of the Least Coin (Projects only)
  • General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church Missio and Institute of Missiology (Germany)
  • The British Methodist Church – World Church Office The Uniting Church of Australia (Unity & International Mission
  • World Association for Christian Communication
  • World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI)
  • Global Theological Library (WCC)