Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL)
Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders is a first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking curriculum that has been designed by, for, and with Indigenous wisdom keepers to equip Indigenous leaders to do theology, ministry, and serve their congregations and communities. This groundbreaking work is made possible with the hard work and the vision of Indigenous wisdom keepers and leaders in partnership with the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University and the support of Vesper Society.
The inaugural cohort of TEIL began their learning journey together on Monday, October 9, Indigenous Peoples Day, with classes hosted at Augustana Lutheran Church, Portland, OR. The inaugural cohort is made up of 10 students representing ELCA Indigenous ministries and congregations from across the church.
The Opening Ceremony for TEIL occurred with 50 participants from Augustana, five national leaders and the Indigenous leaders and wisdom keepers. TEIL was launched with an inaugural worship service, and a shared celebration of the various components which are integral to TEIL: the students who have committed to this journey; the commitment of our church Association, and leaders from PLTS who made provisions for this program’s start. We all look forward to witnessing the opportunities this unique learning journey will provide for the future of our ELCA Indigenous ministries.
The first cohort of 10 students have completed first year 2023-24. Wisdom Keepers Vance Blackfox, Rev. Joan Conroy, Dr. Kelly Sharman Conroy, Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rev. Manuel Retamoza, Rev. Larry Theile, Dr. Robert Smith and Bishop Anne Edison-Albright bishop, East Central Synod of Wisconsin have taught in this new program.
Read about TEIL in Living Lutheran here!
For more information, contact:
Vance Blackfox, Director, Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations ELCA: Vance.Blackfox@elca.org
Rev. Joan Conroy, President Association of American Indians and Alaska Natives: joan.conroy@gmail.com
Rev. Dr. Moses Penumaka, Director TEEM and TEIL: mpenumaka@plts.edu