On December 5, 2015, The General Theological Seminary once again hosted the 23rd Annual Ecumenical Theological and Interdisciplinary Symposium, sponsored by the Academy of Romanian Scientists and The Romanian Institute of Orthodox Theology and Spirituality. The very topical theme was “Cultural Transparency and the Loss of Privacy in the Era of Digital Technology: How Is This Shaping Our Becoming and the Ethical Dilemmas Related to It.”
Prof. Theodore Damian, President of the Romanian Institute, and Prof. Clair McPherson served as presider and host, respectively. Dr. Damian delivered a paper on “Being Constantly Watched: Transparency and Perichoresis;” Dr. McPherson spoke on “Transparency, Accountability, and Honesty in Twenty-first Century Theological Education: a Theory and a Test Case.” Other speakers included Prof. Richard Gallo, Prof. Louis Tietje, and Prof. Doru Tsaganea, all members of the Institute, and Prof. Alina Feld, Affiliate Faculty at General Seminary.
The timely theme provoked a lively, enthusiastic discussion in during every paper, as participants shared questions, concerns, and personal experiences, especially with the new world of internet communications. Traditional Romanian cuisine and wine highlighted the luncheon and dinner, and the proceedings began with a singing of the Gaudeamus Igitur, the traditional academic hymn beloved by the Romanians.
