Sign of Collaboration; Symbol of Division.

Friends:

I wear my black clerical garb wherever I go in the seventeen Consortium institutions. In most of them it is distinctive. I stand out.

My presence reminds faculty and students of our commitment to one another. We are not just a group of isolated institutions—but united in a common purpose. The members frequently say: ‘you pull us out of our silos.’ I am a sign of collaboration.

I also am a symbol of division. Despite our mutual commitment, we are divided. Our Christian traditions are separate. The Consortium presumes not just difference but division.

At certain liturgical moments the divisions are visible. Faculty walk around me to go to communion at the Methodist or Lutheran Lord’s Supper. I am not able to fully participate. I am not fully part of their community.

I am a sign of progress and partiality.

Peace,
John