Seminary President Philip D.W. Krey (second from far left) and Seminary Dean J. Paul Rajashekar (center of photo) install (from left) the Rev. Dr. Melinda Quivik, the Rev. Dr. Dirk G. Lange, and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray as faculty members.

Opening Eucharist reflects on current events

Philip D. W. Krey

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) opened the 142nd academic year with an interesting sermon by the Rev. Dr. Philip D. W. Krey on Tuesday, September 6, 2005. Dr. Krey, the seminary’s president, emphasized the task ahead for the coming year. Citing Ezekiel 33:7-11, he pointed out the significant importance of preparation and he defined the responsibility we all have to warn people of pending disasters of one sort or another that occur in life.

With reference to Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Krey compared the results to the warning Ezekiel made to the shepherds who neglected their flocks. The natural development of Hurricane Katrina was known for several days, yet leaders did not respond.

"The seminary experience is designed to direct us as leaders to prepare for the responsibility we have to alert people of God’s warnings," said Dr. Krey. "We are not self-appointed. We are chosen, called by God, to bring the Gospel message, including God’s warning to all who will take time to hear," he continued.

According to Dr. Krey, we are called to present justice in our world. God’s justice is the only basis for trust. We have no other. As God sent His Son to be our example, God also sends us to be examples to those around us. Finally, God sent the Holy Spirit to us to remind us whose we are.

During the worship, three new faculty members were installed: the Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, the Rev. Dr. Melinda A. Quivik and the Rev. Dr. Dirk G. Lange. Dr. Ray is the program director of the Urban Theological Institute and associate professor of African American Studies. Drs. Quivik and Lange are both the assistant professor of Practical Theology-Christian Assembly.