AMBS statement on the conclusion of the partnership with Meserete Kristos Church and Seminary
Published: November 24, 2025
From David Boshart, PhD, AMBS President:
For six years, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary has been blessed to share in a meaningful and fruitful partnership with the Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) and Meserete Kristos Seminary (MKS) in Ethiopia. Together we have strengthened graduate theological education; educated wise leaders for the church; and built relationships grounded in trust, transparency and shared mission.
In the last two months, a wave of misinformation has spread through social media in Ethiopia, targeting the partnership between MKC/S and AMBS and creating a volatile and challenging environment for students and church leaders. Upon their return to Ethiopia from a fundraising tour in the United States, MKS Principal Gishu Jebecha and MKC President Desalegn Abebe found that it was impossible to continue the joint cohort-based Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism (MATGA) program in Ethiopia under these conditions. With deep lament, they informed us that MKC has permanently suspended the program — not due to any loss of goodwill between MKC and AMBS, but because the spread of misinformation has created risks for their leaders and students and threatened the unity of the church.
International partnerships are complex, and they also reveal the beauty of Christian community across cultures. Our Ethiopian students — whether studying on our campus, online or through the collaboration with MKS — have enriched our classrooms and blessed our learning community. The testimony of our students reflects the heart of our approach to theological education — study that is rigorous, contextual, Spirit-led and grounded in deep respect for each student’s agency and vocation. We remain deeply grateful for the wisdom, perspective and faithful witness they bring, and they continue to be gifts to their professors and peers.
Our immediate priority is to care for the MATGA students whose studies have been disrupted. AMBS is in direct communication with all students and has assured them that, if they choose to do so, they may continue their studies with us individually, outside of the MKS-sponsored cohort structure. AMBS will accompany each student with clarity, compassion and practical support.
Even as this chapter comes to a close, we remain committed to praying for MKC, MKS, our students, and the healing and unity of the wider church in Ethiopia.
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