United Theological College supports theology students in Beirut – Insights Magazine

Every day, students and staff of United Theological College (UTC) continue their studies in the peaceful, green setting of the North Parramatta Ministry Centre.

This is in stark contrast to the students and staff of the Near East Theological School (NEST), which is located on the western tip of Beirut, just a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. As their librarian Lisa Tititian recently wrote in an email to Moira Bryant, manager of the UTC Theological Library, “The situation here these days is very difficult… I am praying for God’s intervention and peace.”

NEST was founded in 1932 as an interdenominational Protestant seminary to train pastors and church officials for service in churches and other evangelical organizations in the Middle East. It also provides continuing education for pastors and church officials in active ministry, as well as for the laity.

In 2023, Rev. Clive and Mary Pearson attended NEST with Rev. Gabi Coborossi of Bankstown United Church. Although they found an excellent collection of printed materials in the library, they also discovered that most of the students were advised to return to their home countries due to the deteriorating political situation. They are now unable to access library resources to support their learning.

To support NEST students and staff, UTC has begun providing them with access to our eBook collection. Since early 2024, Moira Bryant and Lisa Tititian have worked closely together to achieve this goal. Thanks to the efforts of these two wonderful librarians, Near East Divinity School now has access to a wide range of e-books.

The initial licensing fee for these digital resources was covered by the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia. Now we need to look elsewhere to cover our next subscription. If you feel inclined to support this initiative financially, please contact Moirab at [email protected] for our bank details for transfer to the Synod Library Trust Fund.

Rev. Dr. Peter Walker, Director of UTC