In September a Communication Committee was formed of six members
of the board and six clergy. They have met once and plan to meet three to four
times a year. The purpose of the committee is to foster greater communication
between the board and the clergy, and a greater understanding of issues and
each other’s perspectives.
The first meeting included some internal organizational issues as the
group determined how it would function. We also initiated a discussion of
decision-making in the Church, in response to the board’s second motion. The
discussion was wide-ranging, exploring the many areas where decisions are
made, and the types of decisions made. The committee also began exploring
the various factors that come into play in any decision. It was agreed that we
should spend more time on this topic and do additional research, which we
are doing.
Regarding the third motion, a great deal of exploration has been done.
The purpose, as previously reported, was to provide an opportunity for laity,
particularly women, to enter related helping profession fields other than the
priesthood.
After taking extensive counsel and weighing many factors I believe it would
be detrimental to change the admission policy to the existing M.Div. (Master
of Divinity) program. However, Bryn Athyn College is willing to explore
creating other programs, such as a non-ordination track M.Div., which could
lead to occupations in the helping professions. The General Church Board, at
its February meeting, affirmed their support for the Bryn Athyn College to
explore such degrees.
There were two primary reasons for not changing the admission policy
to the existing M.Div. program. The first is that the entire degree is oriented
toward producing pastors for the General Church. Its criteria for admission,
methodology of instruction, evaluation of student work, and continued
admission to graduation are geared toward that goal. Introducing students
with other educational or professional objectives would detract from this
purpose.
The second reason is that substantial funds were given to the Theological
School specifically to train men for the priesthood. To use those funds for
any other purpose would not be honoring the donors’ wishes and risk the
withdrawal of funds. So developing a separate program designed to meet
different objectives will best serve potential students both of the existing
M.Div. program and any other program which may be developed.
Regarding additional degree programs, the College is looking to expand
its uses and student body. It is thinking about expanding its majors and several
masters’ level programs, such as in education and counseling. Something like
a non-ordination track M.Div. program could fit in with the initial thinking.
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