Four-Day Celebrations in Prague: International Theological Seminary 60 Years Old
Four-Day Celebrations in Prague: International Theological Seminary 60 Years Old
Prague – At the end of May, Prague’s International Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated the 60th, diamond anniversary of its founding with four days of celebrations. One highlight was the awarding of academic titles to 28 graduates from 10 countries. Dr. Ruth M.B. Goldbourne (London), the Chair of the IBTS-Board of Trustees, presented the 'Master of Theology' degree to 24 students. Four other graduates were awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree and 18 received the Certificates in Applied Theology. IBTS-Rector Dr. Keith Jones und Pro-Rector Dr. Parush R. Parushev also played an active part in the festivities. All graduates were dressed in robes and hoods; 150 persons, including many IBTS-graduates, were present for the event.
Toma Magda (Cakovec), President of the European Baptist Federation (EBF), and Dr. Anthony Peck (Prague), General Secretary of the EBF, participated in the festivities. Events on the IBTS-campus included birthday party with BBQ and open air service involving the ‘Sarka Valley’ Baptist congregation. EBF staff was actively involved in the celebrations having organized a short concert: Tony Peck together with Anna Cheprasova played several piano duets and Helle Liht acted as the concert presenter. The event closed out with an evening of entertainment offered by Donald King from Scotland.
Festivities were clouded over by the uncertainty of the IBTS’ future due to the present financial crisis. Tony Peck concluded: ‘The EBF family is aware that we face acute financial challenges over the future of IBTS. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful experience to be part of the 60th birthday celebrations and to realise again just how many lives have been touched and EBF leaders formed by the work and ministry of 'our' seminary.’ The anniversary celebrations confirmed his determination to ‘see the good work of IBTS continue at the heart of our EBF life long into the future’.
IBTS, the EBF’s educational centre, moved from Rüschlikon/Switzerland to Prague 12 years ago. The former ‘Small Palace Jeneralka’ was transformed into an educational campus. The European Baptist Federation’s central offices are also located there. An IBTS Strategy Group is presently considering various options for continuing the work in the face of challenging budgetary conditions.
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Toma Magda (Cakovec), President of the European Baptist Federation (EBF), and Dr. Anthony Peck (Prague), General Secretary of the EBF, participated in the festivities. Events on the IBTS-campus included birthday party with BBQ and open air service involving the ‘Sarka Valley’ Baptist congregation. EBF staff was actively involved in the celebrations having organized a short concert: Tony Peck together with Anna Cheprasova played several piano duets and Helle Liht acted as the concert presenter. The event closed out with an evening of entertainment offered by Donald King from Scotland.
Festivities were clouded over by the uncertainty of the IBTS’ future due to the present financial crisis. Tony Peck concluded: ‘The EBF family is aware that we face acute financial challenges over the future of IBTS. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful experience to be part of the 60th birthday celebrations and to realise again just how many lives have been touched and EBF leaders formed by the work and ministry of 'our' seminary.’ The anniversary celebrations confirmed his determination to ‘see the good work of IBTS continue at the heart of our EBF life long into the future’.
IBTS, the EBF’s educational centre, moved from Rüschlikon/Switzerland to Prague 12 years ago. The former ‘Small Palace Jeneralka’ was transformed into an educational campus. The European Baptist Federation’s central offices are also located there. An IBTS Strategy Group is presently considering various options for continuing the work in the face of challenging budgetary conditions.