Nor am I worred, though this points to the problems inherent in being "religion/sect driven" vs. "mission driven". In the former, you end up with "Lutheran?....what kind of Lutheran?"
Nor am I worred, though this points to the problems inherent in being "religion/sect driven" vs. "mission driven". In the former, you end up with "Lutheran?....what kind of Lutheran?"
There is little doubt that part of Valpo’s problems was that they lost touch will their historical roots—that is, being a Lutheran institution. And because Valpo is not nor never should be a Liberty, what type of Lutheran misses the point. Valpo is Lutheran but certainly welcoming to all branches of same as well to non-Lutherans, non-Christian and even atheists! It shouldn’t hide its heritage or drift away from those roots. The concern is, that if Valpo does, it runs the risk of, as OP stated, of becoming “just another Princeton” or just one of many who have lost their original religious mission.
Is anyone concerned about Konkol being a member of ELCA?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is generally considered the most theologically and socially progressive of the major Lutheran bodies in the United States. Official positions include:
- Ordination of women.
- Ordination of clergy in same-sex marriages and LGBTQ relationships.
- Permitting same-sex marriage.
- Generally affirming transgender individuals in church life.
- Broad ecumenical partnerships with Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian (PCUSA), and other mainline churches.
- A relatively broad theological spectrum regarding biblical interpretation, with many pastors using historical-critical methods.
Does he affirm these positions?
Although any member of a university community should have the academic freedom to hold and express their beliefs, I honestly don't think that Rev. Konkol is here for the purpose of advancing his social positions. And I'm confident that the search committee vetted him and other finalists thoroughly as to compatibility with VU's overall mission.
If Valpo starts choosing sects within denominations, that pretty much means we can start circling the drain. Instead (and I speak as a non-Lutheran), I think we will see a commitment both to renewing Lutheran connections generally and to extending an invitation to those of other faiths and social beliefs for whom Valpo is a good place.
Agreed — my sense from afar is that Konkol will thread the needle quite well, reassuring the LCMS that Valpo is not a pack of godless heathens, while convincing the ELCA that Valpo is not beholden to the less inclusive wings of Lutheranism.
As I heard Padilla say a few times, we’re all playing for the same head coach.
Received a letter today from LeeAnn Hughes, Valpo's VP of Enrollment and Marketing. The letter specifically stated that Valpo is looking to hire a "Director of Lutheran High School Partnerships" (and sought any recommendations for the position. The letter also stated the vision of such a hire as follows:
"As Valparaiso University continues to provide an exceptional academic and student experience for students of all faiths and backgrounds, it is equally important that we strengthen our relationships with Lutheran communities and ensure that Lutheran students know they have a place to belong and thrive at Valpo."
This vision makes a lot of sense, as does hiring someone to focus on this. Prior posts have mentioned the challenge of 'threading the needle' and it seems that Pres. Konkol and his executive staff are finding a way to do that.