MM

His profound theological and ecumenical thoughts created ripples in society thereby fostering
church.
change in ‘doing theology’.” The presentation by Wolters addressed the theme “Dr M.M. Thomas’
a
of Prophetic Participation in Salvation and the Struggle for Humanization” and highlighted
theology
of justice and peace in faith as practiced and promoted by Thomas.
dimensions
mentioned aspects of M.M. Thomas’ theological articulations, which he said are “still helpful in
Wolters
the WCC vision of a pilgrimage of justice and peace”. Wolters said that upon “studying his
fulfilling
one discovers that M.M.’s theological methodology shows a refinement which might be
writings,
for a pilgrimage of justice and peace”.
helpful
Dr Joseph Mar Thoma, Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, said that “M.M. Thomas
Rev.
a man of deep commitments, faith and ideological convictions which enabled him to lead a simple
was
profound life committed to ecumenism that upholds the values of humanization.” Metropolitan
but
Mar Thoma officially inaugurated the birth centenary celebrations of Thomas.
Joseph
Mathews George Chunakara, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), spoke
Dr
contributions by Thomas to the worldwide ecumenical movement. He highlighted Thomas’
about
Thomas gave new insights to the ecumenical movement which have sharpened the WCC and
“M.M.
programmatic directions over time and helped these ecumenical bodies in taking radical action
CCA’s
Rev. Dr T.M. Philip, a biblical scholar and contemporary of Thomas, gave a presentation on
The
between theology and ideology” in which he highlighted theological developments made
“Encounters
Thomas K. Oommen, deputy moderator of the Church of South India, Rev. Dr K.M. George of
Bishop
Malankara Orthodox Church and Bishop Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan
the
seminar took place a day before the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly of the Mar
The
Church, which had the theme "Faith and Witness in the Public Space". This meeting was
Thoma
by over 1000 delegates and participants. Rev. Dr Hielke Wolters participated in the opening
attended
and delivered a devotional talk. He highlighted the significance of the theme for the WCC
session
contributions in shaping the WCC’s ideological and theological values.
to address the emerging concerns in the world,” he said.
by M.M. Thomas in his work and their relevance to the present context.
chaired various sessions of the seminar.
Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace.