Lutheran Center for Theology and Public Life Names Director and Creates Partnership With DC Based Luther Institute

(Gettysburg, PA) For more than a quarter century, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg has placed its theological training in the public sphere through its Washington based Lutheran Center for Theology and Public Life. The Rev. Dr. Michael Kuchinsky of the Luther Institute, an independent Lutheran organization known for its public affairs seminars, will lend time to direct the Seminary’s center on a part-time basis.

The Washington based program of the Seminary makes it possible to study and research in the rich setting of the nation’s capital, features life-long learning prospects for rostered and lay church leaders, and offers the House of Studies for resident students and researchers. The Seminary will offer continuing education credit for some of the public affairs seminar programming of the Luther Institute and Kuchinsky will assist in overseeing the Washington based part of the Center’s resources.

The arrangement was made following health changes that kept the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke based in Gettysburg. Kuchinsky, whose doctoral degree is in Government and International Studies, is an ELCA pastor, researcher and writer in hunger and public affairs, said "It is important that people of faith and good will take an active and sustained interest in what's often called ‘the public square’ of our nation, and of our world. In the ongoing educational and partnership work of Gettysburg Seminary and the Luther Institute,” he continued, “it seems to me that we can be about the exciting prospect of doing our part” to facilitate that presence.

Seminary President Michael Cooper-White welcomed Kuchinsky , saying “for nearly two decades, Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and the Luther Institute have shared far more than the reformer's name. We share common commitments to exploring current issues through the lens of the Gospel and Lutheran confessions; to inter-Lutheran and ecumenical conversations; and to interact with the world from the unique base of our nation's capital. The Luther Institute has graciously agreed to share a portion of Dr. Michael Kuchinsky's time with Gettysburg Seminary's Lutheran Center for Theology and Public Life in Washington. We at the Seminary are grateful to Dr. Edgar Schick and other Luther Institute leaders for their willingness to broaden an already-strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

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