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Annual Conference 2004
Report: Bishop Brown's Comments on Iliff School
of Theology
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Statement to the Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist
Church by Bishop Warner Brown Regarding Iliff School of
Theology
The Iliff School of Theology is an important resource and asset to The
Rocky Mountain Annual Conference and to The United Methodist Church. Since
its founding the Church has provided leadership and resources to the school;
and, we have depended on this school to be primary training resource for
pastors, teachers, and leaders for the church. Many pastors and lay leaders
in this conference have studied at Iliff. It is an excellent school and
our continued support in many ways continues to be important. As your bishop
I sit on the Board of Trustees along with many wonderful lay and clergy
persons from our conference. We are joined by many outstanding people from
other denominations which is consistent with our Church's commitment to
be ecumenical and inclusive. When we vote on our nominationws report, we
will elect that board.
Because of these important ties, I know that many of you have been concerned
in recent weeks when Iliff's name has appeared in the news and the early
retirement of Dr. David Maldonado was announced. Concern has been expressed
privately and publicly by students, staff, faculty, alumni and stakeholders
from the larger community. This larger community includes the members of
this conference and the international constituency of The United Methodist
Church. Therefore, I think it is important that I be as transparent as
I can be in saying something about these matters. Some things I and other
Trustees cannot discuss because they are currently under review by the
Board or appropriately within the bounds of confidentiality. But I believe
some things can and should be shared with the community that loves and
values this school.
First of all I must say I believe the roots of the present crisis are
very deep. The lessons of history have not been fully understood or applied;
so in some ways we are reliving past events with new players. This should
warn us not to simply blame particular individuals. The entire system needs
careful examination. The Board has come to this realization. With the urging
of persons both within and outside the Board, the Board has initiated several
actions that will hopefully lead to meaningful change. These steps include
requesting the assistance of The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry and the General Commission on Religion and Race in reviewing the
institution. Partnering with these agencies and others the Board seeks
to make the needed changes.
In the midst of our concern about recent events, it is important that
some things are not overlooked. Iliff is an excellent school and
we can continue to depend on it for training United Methodist leaders.
The entire
Board is adamant in its desire to support the Church in educating
leaders for ministry and church leadership. Secondly, our voices
are in the Board
room. Express your support and concerns to those of us that represent
the Church. And, finally, while I have not been in agreement with
all of the
decisions made by this Board, I have confidence in the integrity
and good intention they bring to the task.
In closing, I salute Dr. David Maldonado. I believe he has given excellent
leadership to Iliff during his tenure. His outstanding reputation nationally
is well deserved.
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