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Decimated


The faculty of United


decimated by unthinking self-will:

80-year-old white men

who know not how

to make room for others, the New.


Today I received the email announcement:

yet another colleague departing the school.

Leaving her tenure-track work here

for tenure-track work at another seminary.

She is the main breadwinner of her family of five,

three small children

the financial challenges facing United

major.

It’s a wise move

for her and her family,

whom I do celebrate.


Anger, my old friend.  

Red hot fire

the denied but spoken Board Chair’s words

Faculty are expendable.

We will get 30 applications for every job that opens.


What kind of Christian sees human beings as expendable?


And this kind of Christian is a seminary Board Chair?


At least this one isn't wearing a mask

as he disregards the humanity of those present.


Blessedly,

I've done my work.

Abandonment this is not.

It does sting, of course. 

I feel sad. 

Moral is as low as it goes.

Yet another unknown

in a sea of unknowns.


We as a faculty

paying the price

for the unwillingness of the Board

to innovate into collaborative leadership,

to honor the God-fearing colleagues here,

connected across difference

for the sake of a larger vision. 


One by one each faculty person

draws near to a threshold,

more and more departing,

leaving a faithful remnant

grieving and angry.


Nowhere for the grief to go.


Decimated.


I wish the etymology were true: one-tenth? 

We are at 30%

Four out of thirteen colleagues 

Gone within the year.


Spent by yet another unthinking, careless Chair.

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Wisdom Walker
I am a scholar, companion, friend, contemplative, wife, daughter, teacher, poet, and most importantly for this space, a writer. I learn best by entering into practice, listening deeply, and remaining open to those who will share their path and passions with me.

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