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19 May 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
A little over three months ago, representatives of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary contacted me regarding the Seminary’s search process for a new president. Since my term as bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod ends on August 31, 2007 and I was beginning a time of vocational discernment, I welcomed this invitation to conversation and mutual discovery. Last evening, May 18, the chair of the board of trustees of the seminary informed me that the board voted to call me to be president of the seminary.
I am honored by this call and will accept the seminary’s call to be president beginning on August 15, 2006. Southern is a fine seminary with a splendid reputation and a very capable faculty. I hold Dr. H. Frederick Reisz who is retiring as president in the highest regard. When I visited the seminary in April, I told the community there that my view of Southern is that it is a community dedicated to the Scriptures and Confessions and the unity of the church that prepares faithful and competent pastors who love Christ and his body, the church. I too love the church, with all of its warts, wounds and shortcomings, and believe that this call is where I am now called to serve Christ.
Like any discernment, it was a challenge to always know where the Spirit was calling. Kathy and I will leave Ohio where our children and grandchildren are and where we have lived for the past twenty-seven years. We will say good-bye to you and many dear friends who have enriched our lives immensely. We will make our way into a new culture and new geography and get used to a new aspect of this vocation. Kathy will resign her beloved job as music teacher at the Brecksville – Broadview Hts. Middle School.
We are however both excited about this new chapter and this new opportunity for service. When I first read the list of characteristics the seminary was looking for in their new president, I thought to myself, “I care about and can do those things.” I care deeply about theological education and the formation of the next generations of pastors and associates in ministry who will serve in the church. Many conversations I have had during these last eleven years have been about leadership in the church. We cherish your prayers and support during our time of transition, tearful good-byes, and new beginnings.
I will report this to the Northeastern Ohio Synod Council at their May 20 meeting and ask to be relieved of my duties as bishop as of a mutually agreeable date in August, 2006. I intend to work diligently in the synod until my departure to bring to completion a number of projects. I commit myself to make this transition to a new bishop as healthy and life giving as possible. I commit myself to Christ and to you for my remaining days as bishop of this synod. This call as bishop has been a great blessing to me. I have been stretched and challenged in ways I could not have imagined when you called me eleven years ago and by the grace of God we have continued and strengthened this ministry.
Your support, prayers, and encouragement during these years have made it possible for me to persevere and for us to accomplish some wonderful things. I will miss the synod staff who have become dear friends over the years and who have served you with honor, humor and competence. They are wonderful people who love the church and the church’s Lord. This will be a time of transition for them also and I ask you to hold them in your consideration and prayers.
Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson is sending representatives to the May 20 synod council meeting hoping that plans for a transition to a new bishop can be developed at that meeting. We will be sure to communicate any action regarding the transition to you as soon as possible. At our June 16, 17 assembly I hope that specific plans are available for your consideration and information. A transition like this requires the very best of us. I have great confidence in the staff and the elected leadership of the synod to see the synod through this time to more wonderful and faith-filled ministry in the future. I pledge myself to the support of your new bishop.
You have been a blessing to me and I thank God for you. May the risen Christ continue to strengthen you for service and love.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Marcus Miller, Bishop | |||||||
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