Page 49 - University of Pretoria Research Review 2017

Foreword
Introductory Messages
DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE
Human Rights and Dignity
Centenary celebrations of Theology and Religion
Over the course of 2017, the Faculty of Theology marked 100 years of service to the church, the academy and the broader African community with a series of events, awards and publications. It is the oldest theological faculty at a South African university.
The theme for the centenary celebration, Open Gates, was chosen in recognition of the role of theology
and religion in public universities, and the Faculty’s commitment to integration and diversification.
Notable among the centenary events was the hosting of the World Council of Churches summit, held on
16 June, the national Youth Day in memory of the Soweto Uprising of 1976, and the Religion in Dialogue conference held in August, co-hosted with the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue at the University of Tehran and the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The summit and conference brought together religious leaders and scholars from across the world to address historical and contemporary issues, with the focus on the root causes of violence associated with religion.
These, along with other events that made up the centenary celebrations, highlighted the Faculty’s commitment to ensuring that the next 100 years will
build on the strengths of the past. At the heart of the change that will usher in the next 100 years is the Faculty’s name change to the Faculty of Theology and Religion, signifying a movement from exclusivity to inclusivity.
The Faculty of Theology formally concluded its centenary celebrations on 31 October 2017 with a Reformation Day service commemorating 500 years of Reformation in church and society. The theme of the ecumenical service was based on John 17: ‘Let us be one’.
Professor Johan Buitendag, Dean of the Faculty of Theology for the period 2009-2017, in his vote of thanks, made reference to the Faculty’s position within world rankings. In 2017, the Faculty was ranked as the top Theology faculty in Africa, and placed in 14th and 28th positions globally with respect to research impact and citations. This global recognition of excellence was an appropriate achievement in the year of its centenary celebrations.
Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Johan Buitendag, Dean of Theology, and Fanie Snyman, Dean of Theology at the University of the Free State.
PEOPLE AND CONTEXTS
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
PLANET AND SUSTAINABILITY
Awards
Lead Researchers
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