New Year's Letter (1-27-03) From ITEBA

ITEBA - Instituto (Je Educayao TeolOgica da Bahia
Rua Leougildo Filguciras, 81 - Garcia, sala 91, (TEP: 40100-000
Telef.: (71) 328-0261, Fax: (71) 328-4178
E:mait: a11wi575~terra.corn.br
CGC: 16360711/ 0001 - 07

Salvador/Brasil, 27 de janeiro de 2003

Dear Friends:

We would like to begin the year remembering with affection those persons that are walking side by side with us. You have been present with us on a difficult journey but also in wonderful victories. Since we were together our ecumenical theological project has grown a lot and has been able to achieve many of our goals.

It is with joy that we perceive the signs of these victories and we would like to share with you the concrete signs of beautiful human beings in solidarity with us. The first sign is our renewed hope that "makes flowers grow in asphalt" as the poet Carlos Dumont de Andrade wisely said. And others? The summer course entitled "From the Drought of the Northeast Women Burst Forth with a New Theology" celebrated its 10th anniversary. The library is in the process of installing a new system of providing more accessible and up-to-date information. The Post-Graduate Course completed its third year. More and more professors are receiving the training for specialization. And the latest copy of Iteba's newsletter has just been published!

We are trying to plant gardens of life in this globalized society that seems to cultivate a culture of death and thus the importance of the mission nourished by you. In this educational space of productive activity and reflection we understand our efforts as a way of sharing life lived in community.

Happy New Year! It is only when human beings are renewed that they are capable of promoting the greatness of another human being.

In solidarity and with many thanks,
ITEBA