By Fr. OKHUELEIGBE OSEMHANTIE Ã, Port Harcourt

In a solemn and intellectually charged atmosphere, the 34th edition of the CIWA Theological Conference was formally declared open by the Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, immediately following the Eucharistic celebration that inaugurated the conference proceedings yesterday, Monday, April 7, 2025.

Delivering his opening address, Prof. Asanbe reaffirmed that Theology Week is not merely an annual academic fixture but an intrinsic tradition that bears the intellectual spirit and ecclesial identity of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA). He emphasized that CIWA does not engage in theology as an abstract or detached discipline; rather, it undertakes theological reflection that is deeply contextual, pastorally responsive, and academically robust.

“In fidelity to our mandate as a centre of theological excellence, we have chosen a theme that speaks urgently to the contemporary human condition,” he declared, as reported by Promise Dickson. “While the topic may appear novel in our local content, it is long-standing in global discourses. At the heart of this year’s deliberations is the critical and enduring theme, ‘Hope for Humanity’.”

He noted that theology, far from being an esoteric exercise, is the animating soul of the Church, which in turn is called to be the soul of the world. “Theology breathes life into the Church, and the Church, ever faithful to her mission, radiates life to humanity. Theology, therefore, must be undertaken not as sterile ritualism but as a living, intelligent, and liberative discourse,” he said.

Prof. Asanbe underscored the essential interplay between faith and reason, noting that theological reflection must be illumined by human intelligence and inspired by the Spirit. “The Church is a community of meaningful ritual, not an enclave of empty ritualism. Our liturgical and theological acts must carry the weight of sense and substance,” he observed.

He challenged participants—presenters, respondents, and auditors alike—to approach the sessions with intellectual humility and openness to constructive critique. “We have not come merely to speak, but to listen; not simply to assert, but to engage. The Church must continue to be both magistra (teacher) and discipula (learner).”

With a subtle but firm call to action, Fr. Asanbe warned against the tendency of letting academic output become static or archival. “Let our papers not end up as dust-laden documents confined to library shelves. Instead, let them serve as templates for ecclesial renewal, missiological action, and theological advancement.”

He concluded by drawing attention to the pressing ethical and doctrinal questions posed by emergent technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence. “As theologians and pastors, we must proactively engage with the challenges and opportunities of AI, ensuring that our responses are faithful to the deposit of faith and consonant with moral tradition. How do we set a theological agenda that safeguards the integrity of Christian doctrine in a digital age?”

With these profound and penetrating reflections, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe solemnly declared the 34th CIWA Theological Conference officially open, invoking the customary ecclesiastical formula.