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.)

Incorporated as the Asian American Center for Theology and Strategies in March 1974, the name was changed to the Pacific and Asian American Center for Theology and Strategies in 1977 to reflect an inclusiveness of constituencies. Roy I. Sano was appointed the first Director, serving 1972-80. Dr. Sano was chaplain at Mills College, Oakland, CA so for the early years PACTS was based there. In 1974, Dr. Sano was appointed a professor at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA. PACTS moved to office space at PSR in 1975.

PACTS was an "action/reflection, resource and service center for faith and ministry." (PACTS Catalogue: Publications, Services and Resources; Box 6 ff 2). A national Board of Directors reflected the several Protestant denominations and broad representation from Pacific and Asian ethnic groups. The Center presented an active program of conferences, workshops, courses, and events. A Resource Bank was built up which came to include articles, unpublished papers, reports, proceedings, dissertations, theses, periodicals, and other informational resources. The resources were available for research.

The 1980s continued the original program emphases and expanded to include women in ministry, ministry with immigrants, refugees and native peoples, racial and ethnic concerns, and human rights. The 1980s also saw the establishment and growth of PANAAWTM (Pacific, Asian, and North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry). Though an informal affiliation had continued with the Graduate Theological Union since 1976, a formal affiliation agreement was signed in 1986. Lloyd Wake served as Director 1980-85; Fumitaka Matsuoka, 1985-87; and Julia Estrella (or Matsui-Estrella), 1987-95. Active and long serving staff members included Kathleen Thomas-Sano, and Clifford Alika.

The 1991 mission statement described PACTS as "an ecumenical center for research, resourcing, recruiting, training, and consciousness-raising, with foci on the Pacific and Asian American constituencies, to promote the fulfillment of God's mission through the ministries of the churches and the service of community groups." PACTS offices were moved to the Graduate Theological Union in 1994. Deborah Lee served as Director, 1995-2000. The program emphases again expanded to include ministry with Gays and Lesbians.

PACTS, throughout its history, was often in transition as it grappled with issues of mission, program, funding support, and staffing. At the turn of the decade/century, these issues became overwhelming. Kyle Miura came to serve as Director in 2000. Vital programs were still offered, but by 2002, it was not possible to continue. PACTS closed in May 2002.

From the guide to the Pacific and Asian American Center for Theology and Strategies collection, 1972-2002, (The Graduate Theological Union. Library.)