I will say this, I think that the conversation about Ann Arbor has finally shed a light on the realities facing the entire Concordia University System and the silence coming from Synodical leadership. But, the lack of clarity found here has also been found at the other closed schools. Alumni were not made aware of the financial challenges and other challenges at these schools. Talk to a Bronxville, Selma, or Portland alum and hear similar stories. We were blindsided. Now that being said, I will note that we are watching the dismantling of a Concordia University in real time. We knew much later at Bronxville, Selma, and Portland. But the statement over lives being changed is true in all four (or five) cases. How many young people looking for Lutheran Education in the north east, south, or Pacific Northwest lost the ability to get that education. The answer to only turn to the remaining Concordia's in the midwest or California and ask young people to uplift their entire lives and often spend thousands more is just not realistic.
CUAA isn't and wasn't in Financial troubles or no more than any other Concordia is yearly. The 9 million and 5 million numbers are no where near what it turned out to be. Little over 2 million, which could have easily been offset by Non-Restricted funds or even the money raised by the Michigan District. The fact is, CUW leadership sees CUAA as a satellite campus, it is 20% of their assets. As was mentioned recently multiple times. Of course sometimes cuts need to be made and looking at the future and being able to make good decisions now is a good thing, but that isn't what is happening here.
The elephant in the room on the whole conversation about how CUAA was handled, is the silence of President Harrison. The "pastoral letter" written in the recent edition of the Reporter by President Harrison was neither timely nor pastoral. Where were you sir prior to the email sent out to students at CUAA by President Ankerberg on Valentines Day? Where were you when the opportunity was present to actually have a conversation about options and even necessary adjustments at CUAA? One can only draw the conclusion that how this was handled was how he wanted it handled. As a 40 year pastor of the LCMS, I think it may be best that the LCMS continues to decline so that fewer people are harmed by our narrow, narrow vision of the kingdom within the rigid boundaries of this new "Lutheran Identity."
Our son was there. Transferred to CUC - dropping him off tomorrow. If you are a Lutheran young person, who comes from a liturgical congregation, CUAA in its worship life and practices, seemed unfamiliar to what our son grew up with.
I am sick of the Lutheran identity conversation. Our identity is built on theology not these outward symbols and practices. We might want to review our history and see not all our practices are scriptural. We have lost our vision, mission and core values that make us Lutheran. With out clarity there is only confusion and division. Being Lutheran is rather simple but we have made it complex.
This was the first thing pulled, and most of the students at CUAA are athletes. It was also recorded almost two months ago, and a lot has happened in those two months.
Luther Classical College is a Lutheran College that focuses on a Classical approach to education that is starting up. Some congregations and individuals are sponsoring it.
I will say this, I think that the conversation about Ann Arbor has finally shed a light on the realities facing the entire Concordia University System and the silence coming from Synodical leadership. But, the lack of clarity found here has also been found at the other closed schools. Alumni were not made aware of the financial challenges and other challenges at these schools. Talk to a Bronxville, Selma, or Portland alum and hear similar stories. We were blindsided. Now that being said, I will note that we are watching the dismantling of a Concordia University in real time. We knew much later at Bronxville, Selma, and Portland. But the statement over lives being changed is true in all four (or five) cases. How many young people looking for Lutheran Education in the north east, south, or Pacific Northwest lost the ability to get that education. The answer to only turn to the remaining Concordia's in the midwest or California and ask young people to uplift their entire lives and often spend thousands more is just not realistic.
CUAA isn't and wasn't in Financial troubles or no more than any other Concordia is yearly. The 9 million and 5 million numbers are no where near what it turned out to be. Little over 2 million, which could have easily been offset by Non-Restricted funds or even the money raised by the Michigan District.
The fact is, CUW leadership sees CUAA as a satellite campus, it is 20% of their assets. As was mentioned recently multiple times.
Of course sometimes cuts need to be made and looking at the future and being able to make good decisions now is a good thing, but that isn't what is happening here.
The elephant in the room on the whole conversation about how CUAA was handled, is the silence of President Harrison. The "pastoral letter" written in the recent edition of the Reporter by President Harrison was neither timely nor pastoral. Where were you sir prior to the email sent out to students at CUAA by President Ankerberg on Valentines Day? Where were you when the opportunity was present to actually have a conversation about options and even necessary adjustments at CUAA? One can only draw the conclusion that how this was handled was how he wanted it handled. As a 40 year pastor of the LCMS, I think it may be best that the LCMS continues to decline so that fewer people are harmed by our narrow, narrow vision of the kingdom within the rigid boundaries of this new "Lutheran Identity."
Our son was there. Transferred to CUC - dropping him off tomorrow. If you are a Lutheran young person, who comes from a liturgical congregation, CUAA in its worship life and practices, seemed unfamiliar to what our son grew up with.
I am sick of the Lutheran identity conversation. Our identity is built on theology not these outward symbols and practices. We might want to review our history and see not all our practices are scriptural. We have lost our vision, mission and core values that make us Lutheran. With out clarity there is only confusion and division. Being Lutheran is rather simple but we have made it complex.
you are exactly right!
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Why are the athletic scholarships the first topic?
This was the first thing pulled, and most of the students at CUAA are athletes. It was also recorded almost two months ago, and a lot has happened in those two months.
Context is very important. Unfortunately, this "discussion" lacked context. It is full of innuendo but fails to address actual issues.
What is Concordia classical college??
Luther Classical College is a Lutheran College that focuses on a Classical approach to education that is starting up. Some congregations and individuals are sponsoring it.
And now you folks have Luther Classical College to come in to fill the created void.