From Lee

Fall 2006

Just after the last edition of our quarterly newsletter went out, we learned that Starr King School for the Ministry decided not to continue the dialogue with Meadville Lombard and the Unitarian Universalist Association about the possibilities for a merger between our two schools.  There has been much reaction to this news, from one end of the spectrum to the other. 

As for myself, I am grateful the discussion has resulted in Meadville Lombard embracing the vision for a seminary that serves as the academic heart of Unitarian Universalism. Even though the merger will not take place, that vision endures among us. We are now engaged in a planning process by which that envisioned seminary will be brought to life. We are moving forward. 

What does "moving forward" mean?

Moving forward means continuing to do what we do best: educate students in the tradition and culture of Unitarian Universalism.

We know that there are over 500 students currently preparing for UU ministry, but only 200 of those are in a UU seminary. We would like to see well over half of all potential UU ministers attending a UU seminary. Students preparing for a UU ministry must  have options that make attending Meadville Lombard more than an item on a wish list. We will increase scholarships,  use technology to bring classes to students around the globe, and establish learning centers in cities well beyond Chicago.

Moving forward also means offering training that is academically rigorous, spiritually grounded and unapologetically progressive.

We challenge students to reach their greatest academic achievements so they may stand in the forefront of a progressive movement so desperately needed in the world right now. We help them to deepen spiritually so that they are able to touch and communicate the eternal dimensions of their work. This is a place where matters of deepest religious consequence are tended to by scholars and students.

There is so much that is happening at Meadville Lombard right now:

• The faculty is undergoing an extensive curriculum review to assure that our students are best prepared to serve Unitarian Universalism.
• We are extending ourselves so that we may provide educational opportunities in remote locations and through online courses.
• We are developing plans to create an online space for our movement's religious educators, providing opportunities for continuing education and interaction among and between those educators.
• We are leading Unitarian Universalism in a theological discussion about the future of our religious movement.

There is so much that is happening right now, but our primary work is the planning that we are doing to move forward. At its November meeting, our Board of Trustees will establish and initiate first steps in this plan. Its actions will determine not just the future of Meadville Lombard, but the future of Unitarian Universalism and the world we are called to recreate.

It's an exciting time to serve as President of this school. Those of you who know me best will understand when I say my nerves get a little racked when such great projects are in the air.  But I'd be fooling myself if I said there was any other work I'd rather be doing right now.

Keep checking your inbox for news from us, because we are moving forward ... and we want you to come along with us.