Did I just hear what I think I heard?

What follows describes what is going on at the seminary this week... to tell the truth, I was one of those who was disturbed by what was said. There are certain words that (i believe) should not be uttered in worship... quoting someone else, or not. A congregation's pastor may take certain liberties--but that is only after establishing certain bonds. Those bonds are important... and they were not established between the speaker and those gathered on Tuesday. I am glad that we will be discussing these things on Wednesday. I am proud of the way this is now being handled. Any thoughts?

Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 5:23:07 PM
To: #Admin_Faculty_Staff; #Student Email Users
Subject: A message from President Ted Wardlaw
Importance: High
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Dear Friends:



I am writing, here at the end of this week, to address a concern that is troubling many in the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary community. On Tuesday of this week, after a sermon preached by Monya Stubbs , Janet Maykus, the celebrant, extemporaneously shared a personal experience of grace and redemption as a reflection on Monya’s image of “going to Galilee” and as a part of her Invitation to the Lord’s Table. This story was confusing to some and disturbing to others, and employed a quotation from her father that included a derogatory word. Serious conversations have taken place across this seminary community since Tuesday, as people have discussed this event in small conversation groups; but now I believe it is time for us to have a community-wide forum about the collection of concerns sparked by these conversations. I am inviting all of you—students, staff and faculty—to come to Stotts Hall next Wednesday afternoon, May 2, at 3:30 p.m. Please come on Wednesday at 3:30 prepared to speak—and to hear—the truth in love.



Faithfully yours,



Ted