John and Eleanor Yackel
Circle Pines, Minnesota
As life-long Lutherans we have an appreciation of Lutheran theology and its emphasis on God's grace, manifested in the life and work of Jesus. That message has been clear, but less clear is the call to follow Christ's example to answer the cry of those in need. As we have developed an understanding of social issues, we have wondered, "how well are Lutherans addressing these concerns; how urgent to our church is God's prophetic call for justice and peace for all of Creation?" Because of our respect for this institution based on the blessings we have derived from its "product" -- many pastors that we know, some of whom have served our congregation -- we have decided to invest some of our hopes, prayers, and resources at this seminary.
Our support, then has been motivated by a desire to strengthen the commitment of Luther Seminary to prepare leaders who are willing to stand and speak on behalf of the oppressed, who teach and bear out a prophetic understanding of justice, in which humans live in a holistic relation with God, each other, and with all of Creation.