We are pleased to invite you to the second online conversation in a series of three conversations with Dr. Justo L. González in preparation for the 3ELET (which has been postponed until a more timely date).

The three conversations are on the general theme of Latin theological education. The first was on "The ecology of theological education." This second conversation will be about "Present Challenges for Theological Education".

Participation is free, but it is necessary to register using this link: Conversatorio

Later, AETH will send a Zoom link to enrolled people.

Save the date. We hope to see you there!

Orlando, Florida, March 13, 2020

Open letter to all AETH members and institutions, and to all persons and entities involved in Hispanic and Latino Theological Education

Considering that the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the outbreak of COVID 19 as a pandemic and urged all governments and everyone in the world to participate in the control and containment measures of the virus to reverse its impact, AETH's Board of Directors communicates the following measures that contribute to this objective and the well-being of the entire community:

     1. Hold its XVI Biennial 2020 Assembly via virtual means. This decision implies not holding the meeting that was scheduled to take place in Grand Rapids, between June 2 and June 4 next.

         In order to carry out the Assembly in virtual format, it will shortly be communicating the details related to the topics to be covered, the decisions to be made, and the means to participate.

     2. Continue with the virtual events of preparation for the 3rd Hispanic Encounter of Theological Education during 2020 and postpone the face-to-face realization of the meeting, in principle, from June 3 to 5, 2021.

         This measure is based on the growing interest that our community shows in participating in the 3rd Hispanic Encounter; in the willingness of the Steering Committee to continue promoting and organizing this important event; and in the increasing ability to converse and participate using digital media and applications for virtual collaboration.

         The Steering Committee of the 3rd Encounter will be announcing the new plan of activities through the usual communication channels.

         We thank all the people, organizations and entities of theological education that have expressed their support and we will continue to invite and bring many more to join in this joint construction effort in favor of the future of Hispanic and Latino Theological Education.

By the Board of Directors

Rev. Dr. Edward Fraijo Delgado

President

"Theological education is in a time of rapid changes that run very deep and touch every institution involved in the work… [These changes] renew the need for reflection on the most basic questions of the meaning and purpose of theological education." Dr. Ted Smith, Director del Proyecto "Theological Education Between the Times".

With the support of the Religion Program of the Lilly Inc. Foundation, in 2014 began the project "Theological Education in Times of Change". In light of the rapid and profound changes that are affecting all aspects of theological education, this project has involved more than 70 educators, six consultations and multiple meetings to talk broadly and deeply about the meaning and purpose of theological education.

AEHT was part of one of the first consultations in 2015. Now, at its closing stage, the team responsible for systematizing project results wants to share them and receive feedback from theological education leaders from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Therefore, as part of the program of the Third Encuentro of Hispanic Theological Education (3ELET), AETH has provided space for a panel under that topic. It will be a great opportunity for leaders in Hispanic-Latin theological education to listen to and engage with a select group of scholars from that task team.

Register now (Registration 3elet) and join this and other very important conversations key for the future of Hispanic-Latin theological education. For more information on the panelists visit Facilitators 3elet.

Dear AETH,

We want to share a significant accomplishment that would not have been made possible without the contribution of AETH. Since the time that HGCC has held a membership with AETH and has navigated through the certification process, HGCC has made a substantial improvement in all areas from institutional to educational standards to finances.

These improvements have not gone unnoticed by local accredited educational institutions in California. As a result, HGCC was able to secure the first formal undergraduate level articulation agreement with Hope International University, a regionally accredited institution. According to the Pew Research Center, "about six-in-ten U.S. adult Hispanics (62%) speak English or are bilingual."

This opportunity will allow for bilingual Hispanic students to transfer over half their credits to earn regionally accredited bachelor degrees plus provisional acceptance to the master of ministry program for those who decide to receive their bachelor's degree from HGCC.

This accomplishment is unique as it is not just one that allows students to pursue a masters but rather expands to opportunities at the undergraduate level. This is very uncommon for most Bible institutes.

We continue to look forward to working with AETH and in making education accessible to our Latino/Hispanic communities.

Jeffry Caballero, M.R.E., M.L.S.

President, Harbor Genesis Christian College

AETH is made up of people and institutions of great diversity and richness who have been providing training and necessary resources to the leadership of the church in its work of being the leaven of the kingdom of God in the world. In order to make room for this great richness to grow and be carried out with greater capacity, in April 2017, as one of its strategic priorities, AETH established the creation of a Network of Theological Entities (ReDET), which includes Biblical Institutes, and other programs of theological formation for Hispanic leadership. The purpose of ReDET is to encourage collaboration in the sharing of best practices and the solution of common problems and work on joint projects to improve the quality of its operation and increase the number of its students and graduates in these theological entities.

That is why, as the leader of a theological and ministerial formation entity, we want to invite you to participate in the survey we have created with the purpose of knowing about the current situation of your programs, and to be able to identify the particular contributions that each one is making, as well as the most urgent common needs and challenges and the type of resources that are most needed at this time.

For participating and in recognition of the time and effort you will devote to completing it, for the rest of the year your Bible Institute will receive 50% in the purchase of books published by AETH and 30% in the purchase of books of any of its Series (Know your Bible, Introductions, Ministries). The survey covers a variety of issues (e.g., origin, organization, programs, student recruitment, instructors, finance, library, etc.) and completing it will take 45 to 60 minutes. Just click on the Fill Survey link and you can start filling it out. Please complete the survey no later than April 12.

I want to express my gratitude in advance for your collaboration in this important effort of AETH to better serve people and entities involved in theological education so that it is of quality and relevance, for the glory of God and for service to the church and the world.

Let's continue towards excellence!

Peace,
Elizabeth Conde-Frazier,

Coordinator of Relations with Theological Entities