LCMS President Writes Pastoral Letter to CUWAA Board of Regents on Ann Arbor Campus Issues (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), wrote a pastoral letter to the Board of Regents of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) on June 5. The full text of the letter is now publicly available. In it, Harrison addresses the ongoing challenges surrounding the Ann Arbor campus, expressing his personal reflections and pastoral concerns.

Harrison acknowledges the Michigan District’s shock and concern over the future of the Ann Arbor campus. He notes that the revelation that an institution with record enrollment is not viable as currently constituted was a “terrible and disappointing” development. He affirms that the district’s skepticism is understandable and that the rollout of information could have been handled differently. However, he emphasizes that these are matters of law, which can always be critiqued, but none of them are Jesus.

The LCMS president shared that his chief financial officer, in consultation with some of the best financial minds in the Concordia University System, evaluated the financial challenges facing both institutions. The assessment concluded that the financial situation is very real, and strong measures are necessary to ensure the future of the campuses.

Harrison also recognizes philosophical differences regarding the nature of sustainable Lutheran education at the Ann Arbor campus, as discussed with Dr. Ankerberg. He acknowledges that CUWAA leadership has been publicly slandered, causing deep pain and offense, and notes that much of this slander has gone unanswered.

Despite these challenges, Harrison continues to plead for the Ann Arbor campus not to be closed. He urges that as many programs as possible be retained at the AA campus and that the campus be maintained with a view toward future growth. This has been his consistent stance with CUWAA leadership.

Harrison states that he has tried not to meddle in the matter, though he sought consultation with Concordia, St. Paul, with the approval of Dr. Ankerberg. He emphasizes that the responsibilities in this matter rest squarely with the Board of Regents.

In closing, Harrison expresses his sincere prayer that the Lord will bless this challenging situation in a way that brings great benefit to CUWAA and the Michigan District, which is vital to the life of the Synod.

Source: Read the original report