Photo credit: Asia Theological Association
Taoyuan, Taiwan — August 13, 2025
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) was honored to participate in the 2025 Asia Theological Association (ATA) General Assembly held in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Four APNTS professors—Dr. Erlie Sagud, Dr. Irene Yang, Dr. Nativity Petallar, and Dr. Marie Joy Pring-Faraz—represented the seminary, contributing to theological dialogue and regional collaboration.
Dr. Nativity Petallar, who also serves as the Associate Secretary for Accreditation at ATA, played a key role in the event by hosting the plenary sessions on the third and final day of the assembly. Dr. Natz’s presence underscored APNTS’s active engagement in shaping theological education across Asia.
One of the highlights of APNTS’s participation was the presentation of a research paper titled “Equipping Christlike Leaders for Turbulent Times: A Multiple Case Study of APNTS Students and Alumni and their Ministries of Peace in Places of Conflict.” The paper was co-authored by Dr. Becky Armstrong Davis, Dr. Lynne Bollinger, Prof. Cing Sian Thawn, and lead presenter, Dr. Marie Joy Pring-Faraz.
The presentation spotlighted three compelling narratives of APNTS students and alumni who are actively engaged in ministries of reconciliation and peace in regions marked by conflict, disaster, and social upheaval. These stories, drawn from a multiple case study design, showcased the transformative impact of APNTS’s spiritual formation rooted in its Wesleyan-Holiness heritage.
Dr. Jung Sook Lee, former President of Torch Trinity Graduate University and designated responder to the paper, offered generous commendations. However, she also remarked that the stories seemed “too good to be true.” Just as Dr. Pring-Faraz was poised to respond, an extraordinary moment unfolded:
Santosh Gnanakan, an APNTS alumnus who had quietly joined the session, stood up and walked to the front of the ballroom. “I came to the session to listen, because I saw ‘APNTS’ in the program,” he said. “I don’t think APNTS realizes how much God uses them to shape leaders. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Christian Communication. APNTS molded me and prepared me for the ministries I am leading today.”
Santosh’s testimony served as a living validation of the research. A multi-faceted leader and educator, he currently serves as:
- President & CEO of ACTS Group of Institutions — championing affordable education and social equality
- Chairperson of the International Needs Executive Committee — advancing holistic development worldwide
- Director of Communications at the International Council for Higher Education, Bangalore
- Former media professional with 16 years of experience, including 10 years as “RJ Saggy” on FM radio and creative roles at MTV/MBC
In response to his moving affirmation, Dr. Pring-Faraz quipped, “Here is our fourth case study.”
The APNTS community gives thanks and glory to God for the opportunity to participate in His good work through theological education. APNTS also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Asia Theological Association for hosting a deeply enriching and well-organized General Assembly. ATA’s unwavering commitment to theological excellence and regional unity continues to inspire institutions like APNTS to pursue transformative education rooted in faith, scholarship, and service. The seminary is honored to be part of this vibrant network and looks forward to future collaborations that advance Christlike leadership across Asia.
For more information about APNTS and its programs, see our home page: www.apnts.edu.ph.
