A Heidelberg to Rangoon connection

The Revd Dr Elizabeth Koepping

I discovered a while back, to my surprise, that the Revd Dr Elizabeth Koepping, the Priest-in-Charge of the English Church in Heidelberg, is a well known theological lecturer in one of my homelands, Burma (also known as Myanmar). Dr Koepping is a researcher in the field of global Christianity. Among her many publications is a magisterial four volume resource entitled Studies in World Christianity, which she edited. 

On a recent family visit to Rangoon, I was able to deliver a set of these volumes that Elizabeth had given as a gift to the Association for Theological Education in Myanmar. The Executive Secretary, the Revd Dr Lal Tin Hre was thrilled to know of this connection and was delighted with the gift from Elizabeth. Up-to-date theological reference books are scarce in his institute.

Dr Lal Tin Hre

During the family visit I was also able to have some conversations on ecumenical matters in particular with my friend the Archbishop of Yangon, the Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo. His Roman Catholic counterpart, Charles Maung Bo, was recently made a cardinal by Pope Francis. Archbishop Stephen is keen to support the work of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, (IARCCUM), of which I am the Anglican Co-Chairman.

Archbishop Stephen