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Established by the 2012 General Conference, the Central Conference Theological Education Fund supports theological education outside the United States by investing in schools, courses of study, libraries and contextual resources, scholarships, faculty development, and innovative approaches to training, though its limited funding does not cover buildings or faculty salaries and has fluctuated with church budgets, including a significant reduction beginning in 2025.

To create long-term stability, the Council of Bishops launched an Endowment Fund in 2014 for theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, aiming to raise $25 million to generate $1 million annually in perpetuity, removing uncertainty tied to budget cycles.

Throughout Eastertide this year we have taken a moment in worship each week to hear a testimonial from our Central Conferences. On May 17, FUMC will be collecting an offering to support the Central Conference Theological Education Fund. Along with 30,000 other churches across the connection, we will have the opportunity to support the education of church leaders around the world.