Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. gave the Keynote Address.

Center for Pacific and Asian American Ministries Celebrates 30 Years

Over thirty years ago, the United Methodist Church was imagining new ways forward, to meet the needs of emerging ethinic populations in its communities. The response was bold, calling for new centers of ministerial education ad support across the country.

The Center for Pacific and Asian American Ministries (CPAAM) at Claremont was one of the results of this response.

On Tuesday, September 25, CPAAM held a day-long celebration at Claremont in commemoration of its 30th anniversary year. The day included a special worship service, a panel discussion and a community meal.

Chan Hie Kim, professor emeritus of New Testament at Claremont

"Claremont School of Theology has long been a place where people of the Pacific Rim have come to study and be formed for ministry," said President Jerry D. Campbell. "As the world grows more ethnically and religiously diverse, CPAAM has much to offer those serving in both traditional and emergant contexts in our region."

CPAAM was created by The United Methodist Church in 1977 to provide ministerial education and other services to strengthen and enhance lay and clergy ministry for Pacific and Asian Americans. The national center is located on the Claremont campus.

CST student John Atu sounds a gong to open the worship celebration

The day of celebration included a keynote address by Daniel C. Arichea, Jr., bishop-in-residence at Duke University Divinity School. Other participants included:

• Richard Cain, former president of Claremont School of Theology
• Chan Hie Kim, professor emeritus of Claremont School of Theology
• F. Thomas Trotter, former dean of Claremont School of Theology and former secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church
• and Ken Yamada, associate general secretary of the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church
• Esther Chung-Kim, assistant professor of history of Christianity at Claremont School of Theology and former CPAAM summer intern

For more information on CPAAM, call the Center at (909) 621-7707 or email cpaam@cst.edu.

Richard Cain, president emeritus of CST, speaks at the celebration, recalling the influence of CPAAM in its early years at Claremont.	Kil Sang Yoon, director of CPAAM, introduces Esther Chung-Kim, assistant professor of history of Christianity.