Pacific and Asian American Center for Theology and Strategies

Biography / Administrative History

The formation of PACTS grew out of the need "to re-think faith and reorient ministries in the light of the emergence of ethnic consciousness in the late 1960s." (PACTS information article, 1985; Box 6 ff 9.) In February 1972, Dr. Wilbur Choy, of the United Methodist Church, invited a group of ministers to meet to talk about the need for a center to focus on Asian American ministries. Further meetings followed. At a planning retreat held at Mills College in Oakland, CA, March 1973, a "Statement of Priorities and Programs" was adopted. The Statement called for a center which would relate to programs of higher education with special attention to seminaries, and relate to Asian American communities with special attention to churches. The program would facilitate the expression of concerns for Asian American ministries for a new vision of possibilities, developing new structures, and fostering a greater sense of spirit. "The theme of liberation, political, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual-was the key." The center would be committed to conduct workshops and training which fostered theological reflection, negotiate with seminaries in ways their programs could be changed to include training in Asian American ministries, relate to churches through local and regional bodies and denominational caucuses, and produce publications for dissemination of news, new developments, and sharing concerns. (First Annual Report, 1972-74; Box 5 ff 23.)

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