St John’s Theological College in Auckland hosted a landmark gathering of Anglican Seminary Deans from East Asia and Oceania to explore ways to reshape theological education through an indigenous lens.

From 2–4 March 2025, the Anglican Seminary Deans Network convened at St John’s Theological College in Auckland for its bi-annual in-person meeting. The gathering brought together college principals, deans, and directors of theological education from across East Asia and Oceania—including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Polynesia—alongside representatives from the Episcopal Church, USPG, and the Anglican Communion Office.

The setting of St John’s College provided an inspiring model of what this vision could look like. With Māorileadership at the helm, a significant proportion of indigenous students, and a culture deeply embedded in Māori identity, the college embodies many of the principles discussed throughout the meeting. Participants were welcomed with a ‘Powhiri’ (a traditional Māori welcome) and worship was conducted in both Māori and English.

Hosted by The Reverend Dr Hirini Kaa, the Principal of St John’s College, the meeting was centred on the theme ‘Indigenising Anglican Theological Education’. Participants explored how theological curricula, pedagogy and institutional life could be refashioned to allow the outlook and culture of indigenous peoples across the Anglican Communion to shape theological education.

During the meeting, Dr Hirini urged participants to theologise from their specific locations rather than relying on abstract frameworks. A deep connection to place and indigenous identity, he argued, was essential for the renewal of the Church.

The delegates also discussed how theological institutions must create exploratory spaces and not implement a uniform approach to indigenisation. This is particularly important in Papua New Guinea where over 800 languages are spoken, or Australia, where there is a vast number of Aboriginal tribal groups, languages, and cultural traditions.

Speaking about the meeting, Reverend Canon Stephen Spencer, from the Anglican Communion Office said: ‘It has been a joy to support this meeting of Anglican Seminarian Deans and discuss the indigenisation of theological education. A recurring theme of our meeting was the need for theological colleges to disrupt colonial structures and attitudes that persist in Anglican education. Indigenisation is not just about content, but also about ensuring that indigenous staff and students shape the life of the institution. Colleges must especially acknowledge the indigenous peoples on whose land they are situated and work to redress past injustices.’

During the itinerary, participants visited significant Māori historical sites in Auckland. And learned how Māori communities embraced Christianity even before the arrival of European settlers in the 1840s, only to later experience displacement, marginalisation, and the loss of their land. In years, there have been efforts to recover lands and reaffirm Māori culture as a central pillar of Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on the power of symbols. Local art, dress, textiles, and music can play a transformative role in theological institutions, shaping how students and staff see themselves and their mission. Such symbols, when embedded in worship and daily life, help to reimagine the Church’s future—one that is deeply rooted in indigenous wisdom and cultural expression.

As the Anglican Seminary Deans return to their respective institutions, the call to reshape theological education through an indigenous lens will remain at the forefront—guiding them as they work to shape the future of the Church across the Communion.

Find out more about St John’s Theological College here