The Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary met on 29 January to review the progress of their cooperation agreement and set new priorities aimed at raising the quality of theological education and deepening ecumenical ties in Estonia.
One of the main milestones highlighted at the meeting was the upcoming launch in March of a joint continuing‑education program for training church family counselors. According to representatives of both schools, the initiative marks an important practical outcome of the partnership signed last year.
The institutions also expressed satisfaction with their ongoing collaboration in the internationalization of higher education. They noted that joint efforts have helped enhance academic quality and strengthened the international visibility of both schools.
Looking forward, the leaders identified curriculum development and library cooperation as key areas for deeper collaboration. They also discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in evaluating students’ academic work—an issue seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for theological education.
Both sides agreed to continue participating in each other's institutional events as a sign of interchurch unity. Bishop Ove Sander, Rector of the Institute of Theology, invited colleagues to take part in the celebration of the school’s 80th anniversary later this year.
Laur Lilleoja, Rector of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary, emphasized that Estonia’s tradition of ecumenical cooperation is a value worth consciously maintaining and renewing. He noted that the past year has further expanded opportunities for collaboration and that strengthened personal relationships can help elevate Estonia’s theological education to a new level.
The meeting concluded with a joint prayer and a tour of the Institute’s facilities. Next year, the institutions plan to meet again—this time at the Methodist seminary.