Evangelical Seminary of Theology

Matanzas

 

EVENTS/ FEBRUARY 2007

 

Credits       Contacts       Leadership       Professor      

 

*       PRIMATE OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE USA VISITS THE SET

*       A SPECIAL OCASSION FOR THE ARCOIRIS PROJECT

*       BIBLICAL-THEOLOGICAL TRAINING PROGRAM STARTS IN CENTRAL PART OF CUBA

*       ENGLISH COURSE TAUGHT AT THE SET

*       A VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR “CUBA 2007”

*       25TH ANNIVERSARY OF CUBA TEOLÓGICA                                                             

*       SECOND MEETING ON MASTER’S DEGREE

*       SET IS VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE USA

*       ASH WEDNESDAY AT THE SET

*       PRESENTATION OF A BOOK AT THE SET LIBRARY

*       DOCTOR JOSÉ L. LANA PAYS US A VISIT

*       A VISIT FROM SCOTLAND

*       HISTORY SECTION III

 

 

PRIMATE OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE USA VISITS THE SET

On February 2 the SET was visited by Her Excellency Bishop Kathrine J. Schori, President and Primate of the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA). She was accompanied by Mr. Richard Schori, her husband, and by her personal assistant. Also accompanying her were officials for Latin America and the Caribbean, and for Communications; and also by Bishop Miguel Tamayo and representatives of the Episcopal Church of Cuba.

During her stay at the seminary, Primate Schori met with the rector and the board of directors, and was taken on a tour of the campus. Next she talked with professors and students who recalled the visit paid by the former primate, Bishop Frank T. Griswold in February 2006. This conversation was also an occasion for her to be acknowledged as being the first woman to be elected Bishop-President of the Episcopal Church of the United States.

Both the ECUSA delegation and the SET officials expressed their wish to continue strengthening their fraternal relations.

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A SPECIAL OCASSION FOR THE ARCOIRIS PROJECT

The children of the SET community were on vacation from February 5 to 10 and had lots of fun thanks to the varied program planned by their teachers.

Every morning they reviewed their school lessons and participated in recreational activities at Abraham Lincoln Community Center. In the afternoons they took biblical lessons at the SET gardens and learned about the Creation and ecology. In addition, they enjoyed a circus show at a local theater.

Playing with my Parents was another activity both the SET community kids and their parents enjoyed a lot for they played games together just as if everyone was the same age. As the vacation period was coming to an end, the children went to an amusement park in Varadero Beach.

These kids’ parents expressed their appreciation for the existence of the Arcoiris Project. Without this vacation program of activities they wouldn’t have had time to take their classes.

 

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BIBLICAL-THEOLOGICAL TRAINING PROGRAM STARTS IN CENTRAL PART OF CUBA

As part of the efforts made by our institution to train lay leaders of different churches in other parts of Cuba, a new course of the biblical-pastoral training program began in Camajuaní, Villaclara, on February 10. This course has a roll of 17 students who come from the Presbyterian-Reformed Church, the Agrarian-Christian Fraternity and the Free Pentecostal Church.

Vice-dean Norca Iglesias Zúñiga, coordinator of this program at the SET, tells us that the number of seminary branches has increased to six now. The other branches are located in Holguín, Banes, Sancti Spiritus, Cárdenas and Matanzas. Also, the teaching of similar courses in Camagüey and Bayamo is planned for the next few days.

The biblical-pastoral training program planned by the SET is aimed at providing laypeople and lay leaders with training so that they can serve their local communities or ecumenical organizations. It specifically has the purpose of helping students acquire biblical, theological and pastoral knowledge. This program also intends to have them develop the corresponding skills in order that they develop a liberating praxis that responds to the demands and challenges of their churches, and the contemporary Cuban society. The course lasts three years, and four subjects are taught each academic year. Students must pass tests relating to twelve subjects in order to get their biblical-pastoral training certificates.

 

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ENGLISH COURSE TAUGHT AT THE SET

From February 12 to 16 an English course was taught in our seminary by Ron and Carol Buckley, of the Baptist Church of Canada. The course was very well received by the students and the SET community.

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A VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR “CUBA 2007”

On February 15 a group of students, professors and workers of the SET went to the 16th International Book Fair “Cuba 2007”, which was held at La Cabaña fortress in Havana City. The purpose of this visit was to participate in conferences, debates, and presentations of books and magazines. The wide variety of publications offered by Cuban and foreign publishing houses made the seminary participants have a wonderful time.

Another reason why our institution benefited from this visit was that a vast amount of books by prominent authors was acquired. Such an acquisition has helped update and enrich our library.

The visit to the book fair was also an opportunity to buy books for children. The SET library will open a section for the children of the Arcoiris Project in order to help them increase their love for reading.

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25TH ANNIVERSARY OF CUBA TEOLÓGICA

On February 15, during the 16th International Book Fair “Cuba 2007” and before an audience that overflowed Hall 27 at La Cabaña Fortress in Havana City,  the Board of Periodicals of the Ministry of Culture paid homage to Cuba Teológica, one of our seminary magazines, on its 25th anniversary. In addition, homage was paid to Lecciones Bíblicas (Biblical Lessons), a publication by the Augusto Cotto Center of Ecumenical Information. About this publication it was said that “as it is written in a simple Cuban way, you commit yourself to reading the Bible” and that “every week it reaches quite a number of evangelical readers in the country.” Congratulations!

Among those present at this commemorative event were: Doctor Sergio Arce Martínez, the magazine’s first editor-in-chief; The Honorable Pablo Odén Marichal, its first editor; and Doctor Reinerio Arce Valentín, its first administrator and current editor-in-chief.

The aim of Cuba Teológica is to be a bond between the Evangelical Seminary of Theology of Matanzas, the churches and the Cuban theological thinking. This aim has always been achieved, and always will, God willing. That’s why we think homage should also be paid to all those who have been contributors to this magazine for a quarter of a century.

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SECOND MEETING ON MASTER’S DEGREE

The Second Meeting on Master’s Degree was held at the SET from February 19 to March 1. On this occasion the following subjects were taught: Current Issues on Sociology of Religion, by Pablo O. Marichal Rodríguez, Th. M; Panorama of Theology in Latin America and the Caribbean, by Doctor Clara Luz Ajo Lázaro; Science and Religion, by Doctor Adolfo Ham Reyes; and Methodology of Investigation, by Alina Camps Iglesias, B.Th.

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SET IS VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE USA

A group of brothers and sisters from the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta visited our seminary from February 15 to 19. During their stay, they met with the board of directors, and talked with professors and students. In addition, they visited churches in the province and other places of interest.

On February 16 a delegation from the Presbyterian Church of West Minster, Mineapolis, also came to the SET in order to learn about the work that is done here. They were welcomed by Rector Reinerio Arce and professors of our institution with whom they had a cordial talk.

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ASH WEDNESDAY AT THE SET

On the occasion of Ash Wednesday a celebration was held in the Resurrection Chapel at the SET on February 21. It was presided over in accordance with the Anglican rite by The Honorable Odén Marichal, Vice-rector of the SET, who was assisted by Professor González Tassé and episcopal students. This celebration marked the start of Lent in our seminary.

 

 

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PRESENTATION OF A BOOK AT THE SET LIBRARY

Representatives of Editorial Caminos, a publishing house of the Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Center, came to the SET on February 22 for the presentation of the book Los Caminos Originarios: Diversidad en las Comunidades Neotestamentarias, written by Izett Samá, Abel Moya and Alejandro Dausá.

As the title of the book suggests, both Abel Moya and Izett Samá expressed that this book constitutes a doorway to the New Testament, taking into consideration four suggestions for reflection, in which emphasis is placed on diversity. The book was essentially written with the aim of encouraging debate over some of the roots of the Christian faith, so that the challenges of our history can be met more responsibly and utilizing better criteria. Popular Reading of the Bible, a course offered at the San Juan de Letrán Convent during 2005, provided the basis for the contents of this book. This course was sponsored by the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Classroom and the Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Center.

Aside from the presentation of the book by Editorial Caminos, other books by this Cuban publishing house were sold. Among them were: an expanded edition of Encuentros con el Maestro: la Pedagogía de Jesús (Meetings with the Teacher: Jesus’ Pedagogy), written by Alejandro Daussá; El Sujeto y La Ley: el Retorno del Sujeto Reprimido (The Individual and the Law: the Return of the Repressed Individual), by Franz Hinkelamment; Reino Unido y Dividido (United and Divided Kingdom), by Ildo Bonn Gass; and Puerta de Entrada: Fomación del Pueblo de Israel (Entrance Door: Formation of the People of Israel), written by Ildo Bohn Gass and Eliseu Hugo López. Also the last edition of Caminos (Paths), a magazine, was sold.

It was nice to welcome Abel and Izett back, who just two years ago were students at the SET.

 

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DOCTOR JOSÉ L. LANA PAYS US A VISIT

On February 27 Doctor José L. Lana, a retired episcopal Spanish priest, came to the SET to deliver a liturgical talk entitled Memoria y Esperanza (Memory and Hope). The event was held at the seminary auditorium, and was attended by professors and students who discussed the subject at great length.

Recently Father Lana taught courses on Theology and History of the Church at the General Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York.

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A VISIT FROM SCOTLAND

On February 28 Reverends John Humprey and Carolyn Smith, of the United Reformed Church of Scotland, paid us a visit. Mr. Humprey is moderator of the synod of Scotland and Mrs. Smith is in charge of relations of this church with Cuba. During their stay at the SET they met with the board of directors and got interested in the work that is done here. They were also taken on a tour around the campus, and at lunch, they talked with professors and students.

For years the Presbyterian United Church of Scotland has maintained fraternal relations with our institution.

 

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HISTORY SECTION III

 

The SET Historical Archives

 

It has been written about different topics in this department; however none of them has ever been about the SET Historical Archives, which we really regret. That’s why we have decided to stop writing about the Gallery of Rectors and give you some information about the place where we keep our most treasured memories.

The SET Historical Archives were created attached to the rector’s office and by rectorial resolution on May 22, 2002. At the time we had a great deal of well-preserved, but disorganized documents. Therefore the task of classifying these documents into different collections was immediately undertaken. Currently they are archived as described below:

 

RECTORIAL COLLECTIONS.

These are constitutional minutes and documents that relate to rectorial periods.

 

PERSONAL COLLECTIONS

These collections are comprised of documents, lectures, photographs, biographies and other things that have to do with the lives of national and international prominent figures of Protestantism in Cuba. For example, there are collections about Doctor Emilio Rodríguez Busto, and also part of the academic and scientific work of Presbyter Doctor René Castellanos Morente that he donated himself.

 

COLLECTION OF THE HISTORY OF LOCAL CHURCHES

Lots of efforts have been made to collect information about the histories of local churches and missions. At present our archives contain a collection of histories of the episcopal, presbyterian, methodist and baptist churches of Matanzas Province.

 

COLLECTION OF THE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE FOR PEACE

Part of this collection was donated by Presbyter Doctor Sergio Arce Martínez. It is compounded of documents, messages, statements, newspapers from different countries, photographs and lectures given by important figures. This collection also includes all the information relating to the Christian Conference for peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, which was donated by Professor Lois Kroehler.

COLLECTION OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CUBA

It contains documents of annual notifications donated by Most Reverend Juan Ramón de la Paz Cerezo.

COLLECTION OF THE CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT OF STUDENTS

This collection is composed of photographs, newspaper articles and accounts of activities carried out by the movement. It was donated by Most Reverend Juan Ramón de la Paz Cerezo.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

It was donated by Presbyter Ofelia Ortega Suárez and contains photographs of life in the SET.

 

What have these collections been used for?

We think these collections have been very useful for both curricular and extracurricular research. They have been very helpful for our bachelor’s and master’s degree students to write their papers and theses. Furthermore, we have used them to help researchers form other religious and academic institutions, both Cuban and foreign.

It has been just five years since the SET archives were created and we have already achieved somen results. Yet we think we ought to make a call to our brothers and sisters to donate documents relating to our archive collections or allow us to consult them, so that the histories of our local and national churches and ecumenical movements are enriched.

 

SAVING HISTORY IS OUR WORK

                                                                                             Professor Sonia Montes de Oca

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

    President of the Board: Bishop Miguel Tamayo Zaldivar

 Vice-President of the Board:  Carlos Camps Cruel, D.Ped.

Secretary of the Board: Odette Naranjo Colón

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Rector: Reinerio Arce Valentín, Th.D.

 Vice-rector: Pablo Odén Marichal. Th.M

  Dean: Francisco Marrero Gutiérrez, Th.M.

 Vice-Dean: Norca Iglesias Zúñiga, B.Ed.

Chaplain: Wil Arts Ph.M.

 

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FULL PROFESSORS

Clara L. Ajo Lázaro, Th.D,  Theology, Sergio Arce Martínez, Ph.D, Theology, Dora E. Arce Valentín, Th.M,   Biblical Sciences, Reinerio Arce Valentín, Th.D, Theology, Carlos M. Camps Cruell, Ped.D. Theology,  Alina Camps Iglesias, Lic,  Complementary Courses, F. René Castellanos Morente, Ph.D,  Biblical Sciences, Nelson A. Dávila Rodríguez, Sc.M. Practical  Theology, Marianela de la Paz Cot, Th.M. Practical Theology,  Iván González Tassé, Th.M. Practical  Theology,  Adolfo Ham Reyes, Ph.D. Philosophy and History, Odén Marichal Rodríguez, Th.M. Philosophy and History, Francisco Marrero Gutiérrez, Th.M.  Biblical Sciences, Héctor Méndez Rodríguez, D.Min. Practical Theology, Daniel Montoya Rosales, Th.M. Practical Theology, Ofelia Ortega Suárez, D.D.h.c. Theology, Pedro J. Triana Fernández, Th.D. Biblical Sciences.

 

VISITING PROFESSORS

Prof. Ildefonso Acosta Escobar Music, Prof. Wil Arts, Ph.M. Practical Theology, Dra. Mercedes Cárdenas Hodelins Complementary Courses, Esther Fuentes Oliva, Th.M. Practical Theology, José O. González Martínez, Lic.  Complementary Courses, Carlos R. Molina Rodríguez, Lic. Philosophy and History, Sonia Montes de Oca Castellanos, Lic. Complementary Courses, Orestes Roca Santana, Lic Biblical Sciences, Dr. Min. Francisco Rodés González Philosophy and History,  Daylíns Rufín Pardo, Th.M. Biblical Sciences, Prof. Hans Spinder Philosophy and History,  Iraida Trujillo Lima, Lic. Complementary Courses.

 

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Director:

 Reinerio Arce Valentín, Th.D.

 

Edition, Design and typesetting

   Elizabeth González R., Ing.

 

Writing

 

Rosa Bahomondes, Sc.M.

 

   Elizabeth González R., Ing.

 

 

 

Photography:

 

Jesús Martínez León

 

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Calle Dos de Mayo Final, Apartado 1439, Matanzas, Cuba

(: (53-45) 24-2866 ext. 14

7: (53-45) 25-3391

set@enet.cu

http://cuba-theological-seminary.org

 

Hinicio

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