Knox College faculty visited the Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas, Cuba, in May to discuss a renewed partnership between the two schools, including a yearly trip to Cuba that will help students from both schools gain a broader perspective on the role and struggles of the church around the world.
Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon, Knox's principal, and Rev. Dr. Charles Fensham, professor of systematic theology, were among the visitors. In a press release, Fensham said the student trips will be an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two institutions because the Canadian students will be able to learn about the Cuban culture, and reflect on two current theological contexts.
The relationship with Knox began in 2001 when an agreement was signed that made student exchanges from Canada and sabbatical leaves for Cuban faculty a priority. The partnership, however, didn't take off as many had hoped, according to Gordon. But when the seminary's new president, Rev. Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin came to Canada in fall 2005 to teach for one term at Emmanuel College in Toronto, the Knox-SET partnership took on new life.
“He and I spoke on a number of occasions as to how the partnership between our two institutions might grow and deepen,” Gordon told the Record. “A new partnership agreement was signed last May, and a five year commitment has been made.”
The first group of Knox students will travel to Cuba next February, sponsored in part by International Ministries, Knox's bursary and scholarship resources, and possibly the Women's Missionary Society. While the 10-day trip does not count as a course credit, it will be a required component for graduation from Knox's Master of Divinity Program. Gordon said she anticipates about 20 students participating in the exchange each year, along with two faculty members.
The partnership also includes sponsoring students (along with the United Church, Emmanuel College and International Ministries) from Cuba taking doctoral studies in Toronto, in preparation for returning to Cuba to teach at the seminary. In the future, the schools hope that faculty from Cuba will teach in the Knox summer courses and be able to take advantage of the library facilities at the Toronto School of Theology.
The SET was created in 1946 by Presbyterian, Methodist and Episcopal (Anglican) members, is the only ecumenical seminary in Cuba, and the only one that grants degrees in ministry. – Amy MacLachlan
