Prague – A special appeal by Prague’s International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) for donations on the 60th anniversary of its founding has been extraordinarily successful. This was reported by the institution’s Rector, Dr. Keith Jones, in a press release. A total of 52.000 euros ($76.040 US) were received from throughout Europe. He stated: "This is excellent news and tells us that European Baptists are really committed to the work and ministry of IBTS." The donations stem from national Baptist unions as well as from individuals. Staff members of IBTS also involved themselves in the appeal by for ex. finding sponsors for their own participation in Prague’s “half marathon”. The donations have made it possible for the seminary to purchase a new van, install new software in the library and renovate a number of rooms used by students. “This has been of special help in a year when some of the major donors to IBTS have cut their giving between 20-80% because of the global economic crisis.” IBTS offers its students supplementary training leading among others to doctoral and master’s degrees.

Yet, despite the donations, IBTS remains locked into a serious financial crisis. A strategy group called by the European Baptist Federation’s (EBF) Council is presently discussing the matter as to how and where the work of IBTS can be continued. It was reported at the EBF-Council’s last session in Amsterdam, that a Swiss fund, which has until now helped finance IBTS, will last for no more than three more years.

IBTS has been located in Prague for the past 12 years following the selling of its previous campus in Rüschlikon/Switzerland. Prague’s “Little Castle Jeneralka” had been remodelled to fit the needs of the new campus. The EBF´s central offices are also located there.