Concordia offers the following statement about the university's fidelity to its Lutheran mission.
Concordia University is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Anyone who sets foot on the Concordia University Wisconsin campus is immediately aware of the school’s commitment to both its mission and the Lutheran faith. Our administration, faculty, staff, and students continue to form a vibrant and faith-filled campus community dedicated to excellence in the higher education space.
At the same time, and in compliance with LCMS theology, Concordia works hard to ensure that all students–whatever their race, ethnicity, religion, or creed–are welcomed and supported as they pursue their educational goals while receiving a distinctly Lutheran Christian education. This is in accordance with God’s Word: “[God] desires ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
Our university has a diverse student population, and merely recognizing that fact and taking a position in support of it, is fully in line with Scriptures, as well as Concordia’s long-standing policies, procedures, and mission. Any speculation or insinuation that there are deeper, immoral motives at play is either unfounded or uninformed.
Concordia University is now and has always been an institution committed to the confession of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The mission of the school is appropriately centered on Christ and the Holy Scriptures. Here, a student’s faith and knowledge will flourish because the Concordia community is one that cares for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and we are committed to helping individuals reach their fullest potential.
Under the leadership of our recently retired president, Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, Ph.D., the mission, policies, and procedures followed by Concordia have led to phenomenal success in growing our community. During his tenure, Concordia saw:
- 59% growth in total enrollment on the CUW campus
- 75% growth in total undergraduate enrollment on the CUAA campus
- 5 doctorate, and well over 100 online, on-the-ground, or hybrid undergraduate and graduate programs added
- 400% growth in the endowment
- 23 major renovation and building projects—including the addition of a School of Pharmacy and The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, upgrades to athletic fields, the construction of three new on-campus residence halls, and the Bluff Renovation Project—all undertaken in the hope of glorifying God through a rich stewardship of his gifts and a commitment to providing a first-class educational environment for students
Such success while following the teachings of Christ and the LCMS’ bylaws and tradition comes at a crucial time, when the very concept of faith and the teachings of Christ are increasingly mocked by the secular world. Our students need us now more than ever. Moreover, society in general needs our graduates and their faithful fulfillment of their vocations beyond our campus walls.
Meanwhile, Concordia University remains committed to academic freedom as it continues to support and pursue a learning environment where all opportunities to discuss relevant topics of the day are encouraged. Events such as our long-running Tuesday Noon Bible Study, the Liberty, Faith and Economics Summit, the Healthcare Economics Summit, the Free Enterprise Speakers Series, and, of course, lessons taught in the classroom are overtly designed to offer civil discourse as part of the academic experience.
Any attempts to divide our campus community will not succeed. At this time, we will not comment directly about specific personnel issues due to our commitment to the dispute resolution process as outlined by the LCMS. This procedure, written in accordance with God’s Word, not only supports confidentiality, it mandates it: “…publicity shall not be given to the issues in the matter by any of the parties involved…” However, those within and outside of our campus community should know that Concordia University continues to pursue the dispute resolution process vigorously and stands unwavering in its commitment to its mission, its students, and the Truth, as we have since our founding in 1881.
As members of the body of Christ, we must continue to offer compassion and support for one another. Let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), and let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight (Psalm 19:14). To Him be the glory and honor for holding the hearts and wisdom of all mankind in His hands. In Him, we have every reason to hope.
We thank you for your care and concern for Concordia University. Due to the volume of feedback we are presently receiving, we request that you submit your comments here to help our university’s leaders more efficiently process them.
Members of the media should contact Lisa Liljegren (Lisa.Liljegren@cuw.edu, 414-350-2547) or Kali Thiel (Kali.Thiel@cuw.edu, 920-889-5599).
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