2. Both critical and constructive

7th Global Network for Public Theology (GNPT) 

The seventh triennial consultation of the Global Network for Public Theology was hosted by the Richard John Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life. The GNPT opened with a spirit of reflection, collaboration and vision, gathering theologians, scholars and faith leaders from across the globe to engage the theme „Scripture in the Public Square“. Dr. Matthew Kaemingk (Vice-Chair of GNPT, Director of the Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life and Associate Professor of Faith and Public Life at Fuller Seminary) set the tone for the consultation by framing the event as a space where Scripture can be explored as a resource for addressing contemporary public challenges with theological depth and civic responsibility. By honoring its founders, hearing greetings from global partners and orienting participants toward the consultation theme, the ceremony affirmed GNPT´s mission: to bring theology into conversation with pressing public challenges of our time. 

During the consultation Dr. Munther Isaac, Lutheran Pastor in Bethlehem and prominent Palestinian theologian, delivered a deeply moving and provocative address entitled „Faith, the Bible, and Genocide in Gaza“. He framed his lecture as a prophetic witness, raising urgent questions about the role of Christian faith in times of systemic violence and human suffering. In his view, Gaza represents not only a political and humanitarian tragedy but also a profound test of global Christian theology and discipleship. 

Next on the agenda was „The New Testament is (not) a Public Text“ from Dr. John B. Green. He offered a thought-provoking lecture exploring the complex relationship between Scripture and the public sphere. His presentation focused especially on the Letter of James as resource for public theology. Dr. Green highlighted how this text addresses community ethics, justice for the poor and the practical outworking of faith. He argued that James provides (in his letter) a hermeneutical bridge for engaging issues such as inequality, speech in the public domain and the integration of faith with action. 

On the next day I joined the special panel session: nature prospects of public theology. It provided an important opportunity for reflection on the identity, scope and future directions of public theology. In the opening Dr. Clive Pearson (Charles Sturt University) framed the discussion by pointing to the global growth of public theology over the past two decades. He emphasized the need for clarity regarding its distinctcontributions, ongoing challenges and capacity to engage pressing public issues across diverse contexts. The panel presentation included Dr. Jefferson Zeferino of the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas. He highlighted how public theology must remain attentive to local realities while contributing to global conversations. Dr. Zeferino underscored the main points: Contextual Sensitivity, Dialogue and Public Voice and Future Prospects. Public theology must engage lived realities such as poverty, inequality and political polarization, making theology both relevant and transformative. It requires openness to dialogue with other disciplines, faith traditions and civic actors, ensuring theology is not confined to ecclesial spaces but participates in shaping public discourse. Public theology´s credibility and vitality depend on its ability to remain both critical and constructive, addressing contemporary crises while offering hope grounded in the theological vision. 

Under Dr. Pearson´s moderation and through Dr. Zeferino´s reflections, the participants were challenged to envision public theology as a dynamic, contextually engaged practice that can shape more just and hopeful public life