The End of an Era: Our thanks to the mission co-workers who served with the UBL under the Presbyterian Church USA

In 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PC(USA)) decided to close its mission co-worker program. This decision – news of which we received only weeks before its implementation - brings to an end a rich and meaningful history of partnership, embodied for decades at the Latin American Biblical Seminary and the Latin American Biblical University (SBL/UBL) and around the world by the committed presence and collaboration of mission co-workers. 

We received this unexpected news with great sadness. First, because of what it means for Karla Koll, Mark Hare, and Jenny Bent, who served with us until this year, and for the impact on the work of UBL. Second, we regret the implications for the joint witness that has enriched not only churches and institutions around the world, but also congregations in the United States, by challenging and broadening our mutual understanding of the church and mission. 

For the UBL, this month of May marked the end of half a century of presence of PC(USA) mission wo-workers, beginning with Alan Hamilton in 1975. These women and men have strengthened our work and vision as they contributed by teaching and supporting many areas of our educational ministry. We celebrate their presence, commitment, and legacy:

Alan Hamilton (1975–1980)
Ricardo and Irene Foulkes (1955–1982 (LAM )*, 1983–2001 PC(USA))
Ross and Gloria Kinsler (1987–2000)
Elisabeth Cook (1991–2016)
Guido Mahecha (1999-2009)
Sara Baltodano (1999-2013)
Karla Koll (2000–2025) 
Mark Hare and Jenny Bent (2020–2025)
 
Far from reproducing a colonialist model, as argued by current PC(USA) leadership,  each of these mission co-workers embraced and embodied PC(USA)’s theme: "we do mission in partnership." They came and worked in response to the invitation, priorities, and needs of the SBL/UBL, and they carried out their responsibilities motivated by a deep commitment to ecumenical and contextual theological education, and to addressing the harsh realities experienced by our students and communities in the Latin America and the Caribbean. They have made a profound impact on our past, present, and future journey.

We stand in solidarity with those directly affected by the PC(USA) decision, particularly Karla Koll, Mark Hare, and Jenny Bent. We deeply appreciate their testimony of faithfulness, their commitment to the work of the UBL, and their selfless decision to continue accompanying the UBL during a process of transition, despite the termination of their status and salaries as mission co-workers. In this, too, they embody the spirit of partnership.

At the same time, we are grateful for the opportunities to continue building relationships with churches in the United States. With hope, we affirm our willingness to continue walking together in the task of theological education, in the service of justice, peace, and care for creation in our communities.