Meadville Lombard will *not* combine with Andover Newton–it will remain an independent seminary, somewhere in Chicago. According to their press release, Meadville is in a stronger financial position than previously predicted; and they could not guarantee that a merger would result in a stronger position. Also, the two schools could not agree on a governance model, so the transition teams will not be recommending a consolidation, to the Board of either institution. Meadville’s commitment to its educational model, and its commitment to remaining a Unitarian Universalist seminary, were also cited as reasons for the decision.
I wish Andover and all the ANTS folks the best; and I am frankly thrilled that Meadville is strong enough to remain independent and in Chicago. I am still on my path to retire from parish ministry in a decade or so, then teach homiletics (or history, or any job they’ll give me) at the Meadville Theological School at Lombard College.
I honor President Lee Barker, President Carter, and all of the people who worked so hard on this difficult decision.
Independent and in Chicago, but not in the building shown in the picture. That building has been sold, as have the others. The sale of real estate is one part of the picture of MLTS being strong enough to stand on its own.
I can’t wait to hear about the next great plan.