In May, 1990, approximately sixty scholars, pastors, and other interested persons met together in Toronto to form a new theological society. Arising out of the Canadian chapter of the Evangelical Theological Society, the new association established itself as a distinctly Canadian group with the name "Canadian Evangelical Theological Association" (CETA). CETA sponsored its first conference in Kingston, Ontario, in May 1991, and published the first issue of what was to be a semi-annual newsletter. The purpose of the association is to provide a forum for scholarly contributions to the renewal of theology and the church in Canada. CETA promotes theological work which seeks to be loyal to Christ and his Gospel, faithful to the primacy and authority of Scripture, and responsive to the guiding force of the historic creeds and Protestant confessions of the Christian Church. Presidents of CETA have included Dr. John Vissers (1990-1992), Dr. John Stackhouse (1992-1994), Dr. Glen Scorgie (1994-1996), Dr. Gordon T. Smith, (1996-1998), Dr. Doug Harink (1998-2000; 2000-2002; 2002-2003), and Dr. Hans Boersma (2003-2005). Membership in CETA is open to all persons who are in agreement with the purposes of the Association.