Dear Seminary community,
Lighting the way has been Moravian Theological Seminary’s work for over 200 years through groundbreaking Moravian scholarship; through studies in a variety of academic and vocational disciplines; through multi-cultural experiences, international friendships, and building lifelong relationships—all working together to “equip persons with the knowledge, skills, and being to engage in vocations in ministry, chaplaincy, counseling, spiritual direction, and other settings.”1
Through the Lighting the Way campaign, the Seminary community has come together, with the university as a whole, to support all students—on-campus and distance learners, part-time and full-time, local and international, degree- and certificate-program candidates. We continue to share deep commitments: to our faith, to the Seminary community, to our churches, to one another, to our service in the world.
We celebrate our passions for learning and for service; for community life and for freedom to pursue our individual callings; for history and for the present—for our future and the future of generations to come. These shared commitments, and the rich diversities they encompass, are in line with our Moravian motto—in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and (especially and always) in all things, love.
We, in the broad Seminary community, have faced many challenges, including the complex work of the combination with Lancaster Theological Seminary and the devastating impact of the global pandemic on so many around the world. As if these two converging movements did not provide enough opportunity for hard work, we have faced rapid transitions in leadership and throughout the faculty and staff. Yet, our commitment to education and service remains unshaken and unshakeable. We have some ways to go to reach our goal in the Lighting the Way campaign. Yet that goal is achievable.
Over 200 years ago, Moravian Theological Seminary was founded by a tiny group of dedicated teachers and adventurous students. We are still graced with dedicated instructors and courageous and creative students, and in faith, hope, and love, we will continue to light the way for Seminary education for many, many more years.
In gratitude for all who have loved and supported Moravian Theological Seminary and the Lighting the Way campaign,
Rev. Nola Reed Knouse, PhD S’09
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees Campaign Committee
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1 From Moravian Theological Seminary’s mission statement
