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Previous Lectures
Hoping Against All Hope: A Reflection on the Past, Present and Future of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Overview Corruption and multidimensional violence have characterized the leadership and society of DRC. As a result, over the last three decades, eastern Congo has seen over 100 armed groups formed and manipulated for blood minerals. Political and diplomatic efforts have attempted to de-escalate the condition. While there seems to be no reason for hope and national transformation amidst this turmoil, David and Jean will bear witness to an underlying story of divine work inspiring a future full of hope.
Speaker Revd. Dr. David M. Kasali & Dr. Jean P. Musavuli
About the speaker Revd Dr. David M. Kasali is co-founder and President Emeritus of Congo Initiative – Christian Bilingual University of the Congo. He served, for eight years, as Principal of the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. He currently serves as an OCMS trustee. David is married to Kaswera, and they have three adult children and five grandchildren. David and Kaswera live in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Jean P. Musavuli, an OCMS alumnus (2024), is Academic Dean at the Christian Bilingual University of the Congo where he also serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies. Jean is married to Linda and they have three boys. They live in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Hope in the Midst of Crisis: Christian Reflections on Conflict and Reconciliation in Ethiopia
Overview This talk offers a Christian perspective on the conflict in Ethiopia, focusing on the themes of peace, reconciliation, and the Church’s role in responding to crisis. It highlights how the Church can serve as a prophetic, pastoral, and mediating presence, while also acknowledging its challenges.
Speaker Tsehaywota Woldetsadik
About the speaker Tsehaywota T. Woldetsadik has over thirty years of experience in holistic development programs for children living in poverty. Since December 2008, he has led the Compassion International Ethiopia Office. Tsehaywota has a B.Sc from Addis Ababa University and an MA from Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya. He recently defended a Ph.D. at OCMS and Middlesex University titled ‘Child Spirituality and Holistic Ministry: a qualitative study in Wonji Shoa Ethiopia’. He is also certified in Management by Jethro Leadership & Management Institute, USA.
Overview A look at the Council of Nicaea from a female perspective The experience of Indigenous women in the church is marked by exclusion yet Indigenous women often make the most active participants in the faith.
Speaker Dr. Atola Longkumar
About the speaker A Baptist from Nagaland, the speaker is a faculty member in the Religion department at United Theological College, Bengaluru, India. She serves in the committee of Program for Theology and Cultures in Asia (PTCA), and the Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group of the World Council of Churches.
Overview The lecture explores Nowruz as a theological framework for Persian Christian identity and covenant renewal. Rooted in themes of rebirth, reconciliation, and cosmic balance, Nowruz provides a meaningful bridge between Persian cultural heritage and Christian theology. This lecture examines how Nowruz’s rituals resonate with biblical themes of creation, renewal, resurrection, and covenant restoration.
Speaker Dr Sara Afshari
About the speaker Originally from Iran, Sara Afshari is Research Tutor at Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. She is currently the Admissions Tutor. She received her PhD from Edinburgh University in Media Religion and Culture. She is co-founder and former Executive Director of SAT-7 PARS, a Christian television channel in Farsi/Persian language. She has MTh in World Christianity from Edinburgh University and an MA in Media Communication from Wales University. Her recent book is titled: Religion, Media and Conversion in Iran: mediated Christianity in an Islamic Context.
The Decolonial and Anti-Racism Potential of the Full Divinity of Jesus Christ: The Nicene Creed Then and Now
Overview The Nicene Creed in contemporary Christianity refers to a creedal construction that originated at the Council of Nicaea of 325 CE, and includes additions made at subsequent councils such as the Council of Constantinople of 381 CE, and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. This lecture will focus on the full Nicene Creed and not simply the result of 325 CE.
Speaker Dr Masiiwa Gunda
About the speaker Programme Executive on Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, and related Discrimination at the World Council of Churches, as well as serving as Adjunct Professor at the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey, Switzerland. Masiiwa holds a PhD in Intercultural Applied Biblical Studies from the University of Bayreuth, Germany. He holds Honours and Masters degrees from the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
