March 22, 2005
By Elliott Wright

NEW YORK – Emergency efforts are underway to develop a plan that will complete a United Methodist theological seminary building in Moscow and assure the institution's future operations.

Officials of two of the denomination's general agencies are working with the new bishop of Moscow to find funds to complete a complex that will house both the seminary and the United Methodist offices for the Eurasia Area.

The projected May dedication of the facility has been postponed because of a shortage of money to finish building it. The spring academic term also is in jeopardy because of a lack of operating capital.

Approximately $350,000 is needed to complete and furnish the building, said the Rev. Sam Dixon, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The mission agency and the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry are partners in the effort to complete construction and to develop a strategy to underwrite the school's $160,000 annual operating cost.

The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, chief executive for Higher Education and Ministry, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, his counterpart at Global Ministries, expressed deep appreciation to United Methodists who have contributed toward the estimated $3.5 million final cost of the seminary and center in Moscow.

"We must once again ask the generous members of our church in both the United States and Europe to get out their checkbooks in support of our new congregations in Russia and several other nearby countries," Day said.

Del Pino said that his agency understands that an "educated leadership is essential for United Methodism in the Eurasia Area. Toward that end, it is important that our colleagues in Europe and the church in the USA assume responsibility in completing the seminary project and in insuring the sustainability of its programs."

Bishop Hans Vaxby, the new episcopal leader of the Eurasia Area, is mobilizing support in Europe. Vaxby, who was elected in February, is still in the process of moving from Helsinki, Finland, where he has been a pastor, to Moscow.

"The seminary and conference center is the heartbeat of Eurasian United Methodism," Vaxby said. "It provides the academic training and spiritual formation of pastors; it houses Moscow Central United Methodist Church; and it is the administration center for the Eurasia Episcopal Area. In a city with escalating leasing costs, it saves a lot of money in the long run."

The bishop added that he was "moved by the enormous investment of love and money from agencies, seminaries, local churches and individuals in the USA and Europe in the years past, and I hope and pray that we can complete their dream."

United Methodism in Russia emerged in the early 1990s after the fall of communism. Today, there are 109 pastors, almost all of them Russian. Major funding for pastoral support and other costs, including the seminary project, has come through the gifts of annual conference, congregations, and individuals, collectively known as the United Methodist Russia Initiative.

Both the Board of Global Ministries and Board of Higher Education and Ministry have assisted with seminary building costs, but neither agency is currently able to contribute additional funds.

Contributions toward both the completion of the seminary structure and toward seminary operating costs can be made through the Advance for Christ and His Church. Donations can be made through any local United Methodist church or sent directly to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068. For seminary building construction, indicate "Building, Advance12173N." For seminary operations, indicate "Seminary Program, Advance 12174A."

United Methodist News Service
Elliott Wright is the public information officer for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.