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July 31, 2006
Dear Supporters and Friends of Meadville Lombard Theological School:
Last week, the following statement was released by Meadville Lombard, Starr King School for the Ministry, and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). It states that a merger (see link to merger recommendations) between the two schools will not take place and brings to a close this particular conversation.
Meadville Lombard continues to believe in a vision for Unitarian Universalism in which a greater number of our ministerial students, active ministers and laypeople receive the benefit of a Unitarian Universalist theological education. To further this vision, the Meadville Lombard Board of Trustees has begun to outline a plan that will allow our school to provide our education to a greater, more diverse number of learners, both in Chicago and beyond.
More information about this plan will be provided as it is further developed. In the meantime, please know how deeply Meadville Lombard appreciates your support. We have learned much in the conversation with Starr King and the UUA. We are excited about how those lessons may be incorporated into the future of Meadville Lombard, ministry, and Unitarian Universalism.
Lee Barker
President
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Statement from Meadville Lombard, Starr King, and the UUA
Over the past eighteen months, representatives from Starr King School for the Ministry, Meadville Lombard Theological School, and the UUA have discussed ways to nurture and enhance Unitarian Universalist theological education, specifically the possibility of merger or consolidation of the schools. The vision crafted during these conversations is a compelling one, and all parties are committed to this vitally important work. Starr King, however, does not believe that it is in its best interest at this time to enter into a formal process of negotiations aimed at merger or consolidation. Although the negotiations for merger or consolidation will not move forward at this time, all three parties remain open to the possibility of future partnership and collaboration.
Lee Barker
President, Meadville Lombard Theological School
www.meadville.edu
David Sammons
Acting President (during Rebecca Parker's sabbatical),
Starr King School for the Ministry
www.sksm.edu
William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
www.uua.org
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Contact:
Tina Porter tporter@meadville.edu
(773) 256-3000 ext. 236 | 
