Special E-Vine Regarding Concordia University Irvine and SB1146

St. John’s and Concordia University Irvine

St. John’s has been blessed to have many of its young people attend Concordia University Irvine.  Three of our teachers attended CUI, and several others have been prepared at CUI for teaching and DCE ministry in other congregations.  Others have been prepared to serve in a variety of vocations, having been further grounded in their faith through the ministry of this university.  There are currently three St. John’s members training to be Lutheran teachers at CUI, and one student in the pre-seminary program.   CUI has been a blessing to St. John’s, and through CUI, St. John’s young people have been prepared to be a blessing to the world.

SB 1146

Concordia University Irvine, along with every other religious college in California, is facing a significant challenge to its freedom to operate as a religious institution.  The following is quoted from the CUI website:

“As currently written, California Senate Bill 1146 (SB 1146) would significantly challenge Concordia University Irvine’s—and all Christian colleges and universities in California—ability to continue offering a Christ-centered education to our students.

The most troubling provision of this bill limits the religious liberty to integrate faith and learning throughout the educational experience. The bill effectively eliminates the religious exemption under current law that allows religious colleges and universities of all faiths–Lutheran, Buddhist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jesuit, Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Catholic–to operate in accordance with their beliefs, including the freedom to hire only Christian faculty and staff. If passed without amendments, the new law would also very likely disqualify students attending California faith-based Christian colleges and universities from eligibility for Cal Grants, a key state-level student aid program.”

Message from CUI President Kurt Krueger

Please read the following important message from President Krueger and the important suggestions he outlines for action.

Click here to read the message from President Krueger