Historic ties: Fjellhaug and IHL sign MoU Fjellhaug delegation at IHL
Bad Liebenzell/Oslo. In 1902, Liebenzell Mission started its Theological Seminary. Its roots came out of the English missionary Hudson Taylor’s China Inland Mission as Liebenzell Mission used to be the German affiliate of this mission organization. Approximately at the same time, in 1898, Fjellhaug International University College (FIUC) started with a small group of people who felt called to missionary service. The needs of China, a call to missionary service, and the demand for theological education were among the driving forces behind its establishment. Much has changed at Fjellhaug over the years, and the institution continues to develop and grow. At the same time, Fjellhaug remains committed to its heritage: theological education built on confidence in the Bible and a heart for mission.
It reads similar to the vision and mission of Internationale Hochschule Liebenzell (IHL) which grew out of the Theological Seminary of Liebenzell Mission in 2011. This was a reason why a delegation led by FIUC rector Dr. Frank Ole Thoresen recently visited IHL in Bad Liebenzell. There, FIUC Rector Dr. Thoresen and IHL rector Rev. Prof. Dr. Volker Gäckle signed a memorandum of understanding for an institutional partnership which shall focus on mobility and mutual faculty research projects.
Fjellhaug rector Frank Ole Thoresen is pleased that the cooperation between the institutions has now been formalised through an agreement and looks forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership in the years to come:
“Our institutions share not only a similar historical background and heritage, but also a common mission and purpose. This gives us a strong foundation for building a fruitful and lasting partnership. We believe, there is significant potential for collaboration in several areas, including research cooperation, academic exchange, and the sharing of expertise. We also look forward to exploring opportunities for student and staff mobility between our institutions. This was a very rewarding and encouraging visit. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit IHL, learn more about its work, and see IHL facilities firsthand. Thank you once again for your warm hospitality and for the time you spent with us, IHL.”
Similarly, IHL rector Volker Gäckle rejoices in this newest institutional partnership:
“Since we have started IHL in 2011, it has always been my desire to establish a partnership with Fjellhaug as I read about our similar history. Therefore, two institutions now grow together as they belong together. We pray that God will bless this partnership and desire to se Fjellhaug and IHL graduates serving together on the worldwide mission fields someday. We will work towards that goal together now!”
Dr. Thoresen was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Robert Lilleaasen, Dean of Research, and Kari Margrethe Solvang, Senior Adviser/ Head of International Affairs. Together, they met with several IHL senior university leaders, professors and staff in order to discuss possible first collaboration opportunities.”
