Evangelical
Seminary of Theology
EVENTS
/ MARCH 2007
Credits Contacts
Leadership Professor Interviews
NEW STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SET: OPENING OF
BACHELOR IN THEOLOGY-NON RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
SET PROFESSORS
ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
CELEBRATION OF
WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL DAY AT THE SET
NEW BRANCHES FOR
BIBLICAL-THEOLOGICAL TRAINING IN CAMAGUEY AND BAYAMO
SET VISITED BY THE EBEN
EZER FOUNDATION
FOURTH WORKSHOP ON FAMILY CULTURE AT THE SET
SET
VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE USA
AMERICAN
AND CANADIAN STUDENTS AT THE SET
CLOSING
CEREMONY OF THE COURSE A PASTORAL FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES
SET IS
VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PEACHTREE, ATLANTA
PRESENTATION
OF A BOOK AT THE SET LIBRARY
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SET: OPENING OF BACHELOR IN
THEOLOGY-NON RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
From March 5 to 9 the first session of the Bachelor in
Theology-Non Residential Program 
was held at the SET. This program is basically designed for
pastors who want to improve their theological knowledge and get a degree, but
cannot take the residential course. It has a roll of 26 students from six
denominations and one ecumenical movement. Four of them belong to the
Presbyterian Reformed Church, ten to the Fraternity of Baptist Churches, five
to the Christian-Agrarian Fraternity, four to the
Below are some opinions expressed by some of the students
who are taking this course:
Carlos Erlandis (Presbyterian layman) Carlos has a degree in accounting and
finance.
“This
course is a great opportunity for me. It made an old dream of mine come true
since I’ve been 
trying to take a biblical-theological course for 14 years. For us
studying at the SET is a big challenge for this institution has a great deal of
prestige. I guess that studying here will help me mature lots; especially it
will help me grow spiritually.”
“In addition, I’m very happy because, in just a
few days, we have been able to get along really well. In fact, our professors
have helped us a lot to forge our unity.”
“I hope my studies here will train me well to do what
God entrusts me with, particularly, missionary work; so that I can help people
meet God.”
Orestes Ramos and Caridad Fernández (Pastors of the Christian Agrarian-Fraternity of Camajuaní)
“Gradually we got to know about this institution while
we were taking the Biblical-Theological Training Course for Laypeople at a
seminary branch. As a result, we got motivated to come here in order to
continue our studies. However, we wanted to carry on fulfilling our commitment
with our church. The creation of the Bachelor in Theology-Non Residential
Program by the SET has been the answer to many of our prayers.”
“The
course, despite being difficult, is very instructive and novel. All we have
learned so far has helped us widen our view about the mission of the church.
We’d like to finish our studies here to serve the
Damaris González Naranjo (laywoman from the Episcopal Church) She has been in charge
of the Program for Youngsters at the Council of Churches of Cuba for seven
years. Damaris took an 
elementary course in music a few years ago.
“I have wanted to study at the seminary for a long
time. I guess that the training I will get here will prepare me to do a much
better work in the ecumenical movement. The Program for Youngsters, which I
run, is basically aimed at creating discussion sessions for reflection and analysis
of current juvenile issues such as values, identity, self-esteem and family.
And it is also aimed at providing young people with biblical-theological
training. These aspects are closely related to the knowledge I can acquire at
the SET.
I’d like to transmit these experiences to the young
people of other churches, and I wouldn’t like them to remain theoretical.
In my opinion they must be incorporated into the practical work we do in the
church.”
“The Bachelor in Theology-Non Residential Program is
the result of the effort of many people, thus it deserves credit. The SET is an
institution that has developed programs for residential students for many
years, but now this program gives churches new opportunities because people who
can’t take the residential course are benefited too. I am one of them and
I really appreciate it.”
“The need to get a biblical theological degree is what
brought me to the SET, although I know training and 
inspiration are of no use if you don’t grow
spiritually. The class taught by Professor Castellanos is an enriching example
of spiritual growth that, in my opinion, is difficult to find somewhere else. I
am very glad my wife and I can take this course together. I am sure this will
help strengthen our relationship and keep us together.”
“I’d like to get professional training in
biblical-theological studies, but if you don’t study hard and accept the
new biblical interpretations, you can never succeed. It is necessary to face
this challenge and be prepared for the work ahead.”
Tatiana Rodríguez Palmore (Laywoman and teacher of Christian Education at the
“I am planning to improve my knowledge in order to do
better pastoral work with children. I’d like children to learn and bring
home and to the church what they have learned. After attending this first
meeting, I am leaving the seminary feeling I have acquired new knowledge. And I
am so eager to work.”
SET PROFESSORS ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN
Episcopal professors Pablo 
Mission. This conference was held in Bocksburg,
The purpose of this conference was to examine the mission of the church
in the light of the challenges that come from poverty, the global market, the
foreign debt and epidemics like malaria and AIDS, considering the Objectives
and Goals for Development of the Millennium to be achieved by the year 2015, as
proclaimed by the United Nations.
In an atmosphere of prayer, theological reflection and exchange of
experiences; and being advised by experts in different fields, the participants
in this conference explored some alternatives for social development
(education, health care, poverty fighting, cooperation and solidarity); and the
recovery of the Creation (the environment), that has been so badly affected by
consumerism and neoliberalism.
Besides the host, His Grace Njongonkulu
Ndungane, Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of Western Cape; other
important figures of the Anglican Communion attended this conference: His Grace
Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury; Catherine Schori, Primate of the
Episcopal Church of the United States; His Excellency Mauricio Andrade, Primate
of the Episcopal Church of Brazil; and Most Reverend Fran T. Grisswold, former
Bishop-President of the Episcopal Church of the United States.
CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL DAY AT THE SET
On March 8, on the occasion of this important date, a celebration
organized by Chaplain Wil Arts was held at the Resurrection Chapel. During the
event all the women who work at the SET were honored. These women were praised
for their joint effort and everyday dedication to collaborate in the mission
the SET carries out in
NEW BRANCHES FOR BIBLICAL THEOLOGICAL
TRAINING IN
The SET continues opening new branches in the eastern
provinces of 
new opportunities were made available for
biblical-theological training as planned in the Training Program developed by
the SET for lay leaders. This program is coordinated by Vice Dean Norca
Iglesias Zúñiga.
With the opening of these two courses of study the number of
SET branches has increased to eight. They are located in Holguín, Banes,
Bayamo,
The facilitator of these new branches is Leonardo González,
who holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and is currently a student of
the Master’s Degree Program at the SET. In this regard he told us:
“These courses on biblical-theological training are a blessing from God
since a diversity of churches take part in them. These churches are: the
Episcopal Church, the Salvation Army, the
“The Branch of Camaguey has a roll of 60 students.
There the second subject of this course is already being taught. 50 students
are attending the course in Bayamo, and they are already being taught Bible as
a subject.”
A common feeling of appreciation of the opening of this
program is evident among the students that are taking these courses. During
their opening, these students expressed their gratitude to God because the SET
has spread to other provinces in
SET VISITED BY THE EBEN EZER FOUNDATION
On March 7 Juan Haeser, coordinator for Cuba of the
Calvinist-Reformed Foundation “Eben Ezer”, paid the SET a visit.
Accompanied by Doctor Henk Jochemsen, he met with the board of directors of the
seminary and talked about the work the foundation does to help pastors and theology
students with the books they need. The Calvinist-Reformed Foundation
“Eben Ezer” is made up of pastors and evangelists of several
reformed churches in The Netherlands.
FOURTH
WORKSHOP ON FAMILY CULTURE AT THE SET
On March
9 and 10 the Fourth Workshop on Family Culture was held at the SET. On
this occasion discussions and activities dealt with Gender and sexuality, and
they were led by Patricia Arés, Lourdes 
Ibarra,
Lourdes Fernández and Reinaldo Rojas, who are
doctors in psychology, and professors at the
Workshops on family culture aim to promote and preserve a family
relationship, based on living together harmoniously in the Cuban context. In
order to help achieve this goal, teamwork activities are assigned and
monitored, so that participants can acquire and improve knowledge on the
subjects that are taught, and develop positive attitudes towards living
together in a family. Moreover, these workshop activities provide future
pastors and church leaders with effective means they can put into practice in
their communities later.
SET
VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE
From March 19 to 21 the SET was visited by brothers and sisters from the 
“During this visit we have been impressed with the beautiful
gardens of the SET. And with the vegetable garden for it provides food to the
seminary and the community.”
“I will come back to my country full of creative new experiences in
many aspects, and after participating in activities with different churches, I
am leaving
AMERICAN
AND CANADIAN STUDENTS AT THE SET
A group of American and Canadian students visited the SET on March 21.
They belong to the Program of Latin American Studies. This program is part of a
council of christian universities that groups students from different
denominations both in
In this respect, one of these students, Ana Porterfield, told us:
“We study the history and the political-economic situation in
“We came to
“I have liked
CLOSING
CEREMONY OF THE COURSE A PASTORAL FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES
The course A Pastoral for People with Disabilities was brought to a close at the SET on March 27. Owing to the
special importance this course had to our institution, a ceremony was held at
the Resurrection Chapel to mark the
end of it.
In the afternoon Rolando Verdecia Ávila, who is a member of the Society
of Friends in Holguín and vice-director of the program A Pastoral for People
with Disabilities of the Council of Churches of Cuba, gave a lecture
at the SET library. There he explained in detail the work that is being carried
out in 
people with disabilities into the communities of faith. Later an
exhibit called “Con Retazos del Alma” (With Bits of Soul), by
artist Dayle Hernández Ruiz, was opened at the library too. Dayle coordinates “Retal”, a local project that combines literature with
plastic arts. This woman artist was much admired for her skills by those
present at the exhibit, because in spite of being disabled, she creates
pictures by using cloth and thread … and her soul.
At night singer-songwriter Alexis Araujo, pastor of the
SET IS
VISITED BY MEMBERS OF THE
From March 24 to 28 the SET was visited by Reverend Marnie Crumpler and a
group of friends from the Presbyterian 
Church of Peachtree,
This is the third time Reverend Crumpler has visited our seminary. This
time, as we talked to her, she told us on behalf of the delegation and herself:
“First of all, I’d like to thank you for the hospitality you always
offer us. Our church in Peachtree continues learning and finding inspiration
from the students, the faculty and the board of directors of the SET. It is a
blessing for us to be able to come back to
“Personally I am surprised at the students’ maturity, their
commitment to the church, their theological thinking and their best hope for
the future of the Church. We are grateful to God for this fraternity that
enriches us greatly.”
PRESENTATION
OF A BOOK AT THE SET LIBRARY
On March 28 the presentation of the book The So-called New Religious Movements in the Greater Antilles took place at the SET library. This book was
written by a group of four authors whose names are: 
Platero Irola, Jorge Ramírez Calzadilla and Pedro Triana
Fernández.
Silvio Platero, who is the vice director
of the Center for American Studies, was kind enough to visit us to launch the
book. Vice-Rector Pablo
In response to the audience’s questions about the book, Platero
said:
“This is a complex subject in full development that has become
important not only in Latin America and the
“The text records the results of the research carried out by a
group of Cuban specialists who approached the subject form different angles,
examining the religious composition in each area and attempting to grasp the
characteristics of the latest processes and changes, their effects on religion
and society, and the interrelationship between them.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
From April 30
to May 4
Second
Session of Bachelor in Theology- Non Residential Program at the SET,
From May 14 to 24
Third Meeting on Master’s Degree
June 14
Graduation Ceremony (2006-2007)
July 2 to 7
Summer Biblical-Pastoral Institute
Theme: “Reconciliation”
NOEL FERNÁNDEZ INTERVIEWED
On February 20 and 21 the SET received a visit from Reverend
Noel Fernández Collot. The Chair of Practical Theology invited him to teach a
course called A Pastoral for People with Disabilities.
Reverend Noel Fernández is the director of the program A Pastoral for People with Disabilities of
the Council of Churches of Cuba, and he coordinates for Latin America and the
Elisabeth González. What
is the view of today’s world about disablement?
Noel Fernández. The issue of disablement has taken on
considerable interest lately, even when there are still barriers in the world
that hinder people with disabilities from integrating into society, especially
in the wrongly-called “underdeveloped world”. On December 13 the United
Nations General Assembly passed the Convention
on the Rights for People with Disabilities. This document provides
governments, civic and nongovernmental organizations with guidelines on
understanding and treating the disabled. A year and a half earlier the Central
Committee of the World Council of Churches welcomed and passed a document
called A Church with and for Everyone.
This document advises churches on this issue from a biblical-theological
perspective. It is indisputable that two leading organizations have issued
guidelines for worldwide application, so that disablement can be understood
from a new perspective.
EG.
What is the evangelical church in
NF.
Seventeen years ago the Council of Churches of Cuba put on its agenda a program
of pastoral attention to the disabled. Thanks to this initiative, all the
churches in
There is still a lot to be done. Feelings of pity and
paternalism prevail in many people and institutions, and the different
leadership levels in churches lack people with disabilities. However, people who are hearing or visually impaired,
or people with physical or mental disabilities, are gradually
assuming their roles in churches. Today there are more than thirty men or women
with disabilities who are pastors, priests and missionaries in the Cuban
churches. It hasn’t been an easy task, but the work these people are
doing has opened up new horizons.
EG. In your opinion, what is the importance
of including this subject in the SET curriculum? Do you know if this kind of
work has ever been done out of
NF. Including disablement as a subject in the SET curriculum
would be an essential component of it. If the seminary graduates can read the
bible from the perspective of the existence of people with disabilities and adopt
a theological approach to the issue, if they can write a pastoral in which
these people are taken into account, and learn about methods of communication
and the appropriate ways to mix with them, then they will have acquired the
tools to make the church what it must be.
The SET has always been an example of outstanding actions in
It was in a seminar held in
Up to now, several schools, seminaries and theological
faculties have joined such a pressing project. In Latin America, the Lutheran
Church Escola Superior de Teologia in
Thank you very much for having chosen disablement as an
interesting topic for your readers.
EG. Thank you,
Noel. We really appreciate your ministry and the message of hope for people
with disabilities in
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President of the Board: Bishop Miguel Tamayo Zaldivar
Vice-President of the Board: P.P.
Secretary of the Board: Odette
Naranjo Colón
-00-
Rector:
Vice-rector: Pablo
Dean:
Vice-Dean: Norca Iglesias Zúñiga, B.Ed.
Chaplain: Wil
Arts Ph.M.
Clara L. Ajo Lázaro, Th.D, Theology,
VISITING PROFESSORS
Prof. Ildefonso Acosta
Escobar Music, Prof. Wil Arts, Ph.M. Practical Theology, Dra. Mercedes Cárdenas Hodelins Complementary Courses,
Edition, Design and typesetting
Elizabeth González R., Ing.
Writing
Elizabeth González R., Ing.
Photography:
Jesús Martínez León
Calle Dos de Mayo Final, Apartado 1439, Matanzas,
Cuba
(: (53-45) 24-2866 ext. 14
http://cuba-theological-seminary.org
Hinicio