Matanzas, Cuba

The Cuban Council of Evangelical Churches, organized in 1941, laid the groundwork for Matanzas Seminary. In 1946, key members of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal Churches completed that vision when they founded the Evangelical Seminary at Matanzas. The only ecumenical seminary in Cuba, the Matanzas Seminary now serves over 200 students from 13 denominations. At present, the Seminary offers the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Theology
• Licensure in Theology
• Master of Theology
• Doctor of Ministry
• Distance Learning/Extension Program

Currently, 38 students are enrolled in the Bachelor's and Licensure programs and more than 20 students are enrolled in the Master's Program. The Distance Learning/ Extension Program, offered for laity who seek to improve their biblical and theological knowledge, involves 136 students. This program was brought to life by the vision of the new Dean who sought to "extend the presence of the Seminary to other spaces." This program allows pastors to remain with their communities of faith while expanding their knowledge and understanding through coursework.

The Seminary features a library, supported by the Matanzas Seminary Book Fund. The library is currently composed of 22,500 books plus an automated database. Users are trained with the automated system and are then able to conduct their own research. The following services are also offered through the library:

• Reading room
• Lending of books in circulation and reserve
• Interlibrary lending
• Reference
• Bibliographies
• Bulletin "BIBLIOSET"
• Index of "Works of Diploma"

Furthermore, the Matanzas Seminary Book Fund was recently able to provide a set of books to each of the 17 members of the 2004 graduating class and the 27 members of the 2005 class.

Next semester, the Seminary plans to inaugurate the School of Christian Education, adhering to the Professorship of Pastoral Theology. This school will offer, among other things, an open course on "The Music of Christian Education."