Nearly 200 participants gather over two days to learn, discuss and celebrate
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03/21/12
Fuller professor Siang-Yang Tan speaks on healing
The Institute for the Study of Asian
American Christianity and Fuller’s Office of Alumni and Church Relations hosted
the third Asian American Equipping Symposium in Pasadena on March 19 and 20.
Every year, the symposium strives to
engage conversation with Asian American theologians and practitioners, and to
bridge Asian American churches’ context with theological curriculum.
In his welcoming speech, President
Richard J. Mouw reflected on the symposium’s theme, “Living Out the Gospel:
Healing of Memories,” reminding the participants that "as we look at our past,
we need to be clear that we shouldn’t forget the good things.”
Remembering the gifts of the past is
a part of bringing healing to a hurtful past, he said.
“If we refuse to remember the good things that
God has done in our past, we dishonor the Spirit," Dr. Mouw said.
The two-day symposium was filled with
panel discussions with Fuller faculty and Asian American scholars and pastors,
as well as breakout sessions led by Asian American ministry leaders. Topics
included “Why an Asian American Christian Counseling Center?” and “The Role of
Psychology and Healing.”
Panelist and School of
Psychology Professor Miyoung Yoon Hammer shared her story and expressed how
significant the church is for Asian American culture.
"The church is one of the most important resources for an
Asian American family,” she said. “The church provides a place of belonging and
security for an immigrant family, where they can speak their native tongue.”