United Theological College of the West Indies
The Jamaica Team was formally established following a January 2019 trip to the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI). The seminary has a long history of training leaders of various Protestant denominations for ministry. Among UCTWI’s graduates is Pastor Livenson, President of the ELH (Lutheran Church in Haiti) and Rev. Rafael Van Ommeren of ELKS (Lutheran Church in Suriname). While there have been Lutheran mission personnel serving at UTCWI in the past, currently there are none.
During 2020 the Jamaica Team partnered with UTCWI to upgrade and refurbish one of the classrooms at the seminary. These enhancements could not have been more timely, as distance learning became vital during the COVID pandemic. UTCWI offers online courses and recently expanded its virtual “short courses” (9 weeks) designed for UTCWI students as well as interested clergy and lay leaders. In more recent years, Global Mission has provided scholarship funds to students of UTCWI and helped to upgrade the school’s switchboard system. During 2021, members of the FB Synod participated in UTCWI’s virtual short course “Gender and Leadership in Church Society.” Also that year, Dr. Carolyn Schneider of the ELCA joined the staff of UTCWI, representing the Lutheran teaching presence at the theological institution. She has since moved to Guyana to serve alongside another FB Synod companion, ELCG (Lutheran Church in Guyana), to develop its Leadership Academy. UTCWI is currently in a discernment period as it develops strategies for future strength and viability. While there are no Lutherans attending UTCWI, FBS remains connected to the institution and supports its mission to provide theological education to students of theology throughout the Caribbean.
To learn more about UTCWI and to get involved in the Jamaica Team, contact Chairperson Judith Olsen, at jl13905al@gmail.com or Global Mission Chair Rev. Katie Carroll at revkhc@gmail.com
