Founded in 1946 by Presbyterians and Methodists, Matanzas Evangelical Theological Seminary is the only ecumenical theological institution in Cuba. It enrolls more than 300 students in a variety of programs, including a residential program designed for candidates for ordained ministry, biblical and theological courses for lay leaders and a training program for Sunday school teachers and youth leaders.
All students and professors serve in congregations on weekends and students are involved in a wide variety of service projects throughout the school year, including community centers, HIV/AIDS programs, hospital chaplaincy and health clinics and education programs.
Students’ congregations financially support their theological education. Most students attend part time because most churches cannot afford full-time tuition. More than 40 percent of the seminary’s support comes from partner congregations and presbyteries in the United States.