“In this age of gigantic technological discoveries, mastery of scientific approach is compulsory in glooming relevant leadership for Church and Society. Fast development in biotechnology, cognitive science and science driven information technology provides an opportunity for furtherance of understanding of Catholic Faith and morals.
Through science, a priest to be will be more equipped to engage and facilitate dialogue with the fast growing scientific knowledge driven generation. A priest as leader cum shepherd must be visionary in providing learned guide to the flock entrusted to him. A priest has to care for the scientific community. A priest has to explore new opportunities and frontiers for proclamation of faith as well as nurturing deeper understanding of faith. It is from these key perspectives that I visualize the importance of re-engaging of science and religion for seminary education and formation in the 21st Century.”
Rev. Dr. Pius Rutechura
Catholic University of East Africa
Biography
Pius Rutechura, born in Tanzania, was ordained in 1985. He continued studies in French at the University of Quebec and received a Masters degree and his Licentiate in theology followed by a doctorate in Theology from the University of Ottawa and St. Paul Pontifical University. Currently he is the Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of East Africa overseeing its schools of Arts and Sciences, Theology, Education, Science, Commerce and Law, and its Institutes of Canon Law and Regional Integration and Development among other initiatives such the Church Leadership and Management Programs. Recently, Father Rutechura saw to the need of establishing satellite campuses for CUEA in Kisumu and Eldoret-Gaba to accommodate the needs of a population eager for higher education but unable to reside near the main campus in Nairobi. More satellite campuses may follow.
Father Rutechura has held several administrative posts – several at the same time. For example, while serving as General Secretary of the AMECEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa), an organization for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia (Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members), he has been in charge of fundraising and conference organization for three plenary assemblies of AMECEA at Dar es Dalaam-2000, Lusaka-2008, and Nairobi-2011, and has been spearheading collaboration of CUEA with the Paul VI Institute in Brescia, Italy in an effort to organize a conference on the contribution of Paul VI to the advancement of evangelization in Africa. In collaboration with Cor Unum and CRS, he is also now involved in establishing a Chair honoring Pope Benedict XVI to respond to the persistent humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
A long list of administrative posts dots his curriculum vitae including posts as Financial Administrator at Rubya Seminary in Tanzania, member of the Finance Advisory Committee for the Bukoba Diocese, Executive member of CORAT (Christian Organizations Research and Advisory Trust of Africa). While a student in Canada, Father Rutechura was Deputy Director of the Africa Center in Montreal and Hospital Chaplain at the University of Montreal.
Readers are invited to see the CUEA website: www.cuea.org.