After the weekly Vespers service on Wednesday, November 9, The Rev. Dr. Lee Barker delivered the "State of the School" Address. Framing his remarks in these changing times we live in - times that need the message of Unitarian Universalism now more than ever - President Barker stated that Meadville Lombard Theological School is entering a period of rebuilding. In such recognition, the school's Board of Trustees took time last spring to clarify the mission of the school, which now states:

At Meadville Lombard Theological School we educate students in the Unitarian Universalist tradition to embody liberal religious ministry in UU congregations and wherever else they are called to serve. We do this in order to take into the world our Unitarian Universalist vision of justice, equity, and compassion.

He noted that "Unitarian Universalism" is mentioned three times in this short statement by design - because at its core, this school in this time must reflect, promote, and preserve the culture and tradition of Unitarian Universalism. The strength of our message and mission is not just toward toleration, but in the embracing of others.

Modifying the mission statement is just one of many adaptations necessary for the school to remain relevant and vital today. Projects underway include pedagogical improvements for religious education, expanding the school's opportunities for public ministry, partnering with other institutions to improve our anti-racism engagement, and linking with large congregations. Opportunities to expand Meadville Lombard's influence as well as capitalize on new income streams to improve the school's financial health include the development of online courses and other means of exporting the Meadville culture to Unitarian Universalist seminarians at nondenominational seminaries across the country. While discussions continue with Starr King concerning models of merger, we were assured that any such partnership would only be entered into if it enhanced Meadville Lombard's vision of Unitarian Universalist education toward ministry.

Current conditions are encouraging -- enrollment is at an all-time high, we enjoy an unprecedented number of partners in ministry, and we are close to achieving the goal of raising $1,000,000 through that program. But remaining challenges ahead include enrollment management, developing new income streams, and exploring options for improving our building facilities.

But more than these fiscal matters, Meadville Lombard's vision to expand the Unitarian Universalist message requires that we also attend to ways to prepare future ministers to face the theological challenges posed by a generation of congregants who increasingly enter our church doors with no religious background. To do so requires that the school get "better at theology," including expanding the faculty to include leaders in a variety of disciplines so that our school might add to the religious wisdom of the world.

Lee Barker's passion for Meadville Lombard, begun thirty-one years ago as a student here, is evident in his hopes to make this school the voice of choice for Unitarian Universalism in this young century in these trying times.

Contact:
Tina Porter tporter@meadville.edu
(773) 256-3000 ext. 236