Chakana comes from the Quechua/Aymara language and stresses the relational character of different spheres and realities. Linguistically speaking, the (compound) word chakana comes from the verb chakay, which means "to cross", "to cross the threshold or the entrance". Whenever the suffix "-na" is added to a word form, the verb becomes a noun. In that way, Chakana means a crossing or transition between two points, a bridge as a con­nection between different spheres. Chaka also means "leg" or "thigh"; the "Bridge" resting on two "legs" (pillars).

It certainly takes courage and perhaps prophetic persistence as well to publish a new journal that deliberately aims at building bridges in times of theological rearguard action and a decline in ecumenism, and in view of the alleged unavoidable neoliberal globalisation and the thus evoked "Clash of Civilizations". However, we are actually remaining true to the initiative of the Institute of Missiology Missio (MWI), with which it has been concerned for more than thirty years now: to link worlds and cultures, to practise and to make possible intercultural dialogue in the fields of theology and philosophy, to promote and to identify with initiatives towards a world in which there is room for everyone.

Chakana  – Intercultural Forum of Theology and Philosophy is intended to become such a crossroad, an alternative marketplace where people do not discuss stock-market rates and TV-programme ratings, but rather worries and needs, inspiration and faith, otherness and common visions.

It was our intention to choose a non-occidental term in order to take seriously the intercultural criticism regarding the eurocentric character of the predominant theologies and philosophies and to bring about an epistemological exodus from the "centre", which is the academia. However, the conviction that any theological and philosophical reflection has a contextual character does not release us from the task to bridge the gaps between the various social and cultural contexts and to practise the difficult dialogue between different rationalities. In this context, Chakana, which also designates the constellation of the "Southern Cross", represents simultaneously a programme, a way and a vision.

• The section "Focus" deals with the respective thematic issue.  
• The section "Forum" comprises topical and controversial contributions that invite the reader to a critical examination and a fruitful discussion.
• The section "Reviews" does not only contain information on recently published books and journals, but also on other media, such as music and works of art.
• Under "Reports" we try to give documentation on recent conferences, congresses and symposia.
• The section "Notes" informs about planned events and research projects all over the world.
• The section "Interna" gives insights into current MWI activities.
  

We hope that the new journal will soon find its "place" and that it will do credit to its name. In this respect we depend on you, dear readers. Those who have already seen a suspension bridge across a deep mountain gorge in the Andes will know that every strand counts. We are counting on your active participation so that with this new "bridge" as many people as possible may find a new perspective and a new horizon.