Strategic planning
2007-2011

One of the big challenges for 2006 was the strategic planning process, guided by CREAS, an argentine ecumenical organization. Through this process, we redefined our mission and vision statements:

Vision

We are a Latin American and Caribbean ecumenical institution dedicated to theological education and research, connected to a network of institutions that serve churches and social movements, contributing to the construction of a more egalitarian society, human enjoyment and the practice of peace with justice from the perspectives of faith and praxis.

Mission

The UBL is a Latin American and Caribbean ecumenical institution that contributes to the strengthening of processes for social and religious transformation through reflection and biblical-theological research. The UBL carries out its mission through participation in a theological network, based on its commitment to the promotion of equality and the participation of diversified soical sectors, from the perspective of the values of the reign of God.

Values

• Inclusivity: education opportunites for sectors and persons who are traditionaly marginated from Latin American and Caribbean society.
• Peace: cooperation to overcome all forms of asymetrical relationships that generate social violence.
• Equality: that the diversity of cultural, economic, generational and gender groups have full civil and religious participation.
• Solidarity: to accompany those movements, people and groups that seek social justice.Respect: to build interpersonal relationships that are based on mutual learning, active listening and the freedom to express ideas and feelings.

Strategic actions:

teaching, research, development of extension programs and networks.

Transversal issues:

gender, ethnic, generational and social class inclusivity, affirming the option for the poor.

Challenges and projections

1. The communications era challenges us to develop a new educational paradigm that responds to technical and scientific advances.

2. We must maintain and strengthen our educational program in ways that humanize society and reflect justice, opening opportunities for people and groups that are regularly excluded. In this process, the creative use of technology and the strengthening of our theological network is vital.

3. It is urgent to strengthen the interdisciplinary teaching teams that work together in all aspects of theological-biblical thinking and curriculum development in ways that reflect solidarity, integration and mutual support.

4. Professors need opportunities to improve educational planning, programming and evaluation skills that take advantage of new technology and that promote broader social access to educational programs. Education must contribute to denouncing injustice and announcing the Good News in such a way that it contributes to a more integral social and religious transformation that promotes equality and human joy from the perspectives of belief and practice.

5. In the process of replacing professors that are retiring, it is important to seek candidates with interdisciplinary skills rather than narrow specializations.