Wittenberg Community,
Over the course of the last week, we have seen expressions of hatred in our country 鈥� the mailing of pipe bombs from Florida, the deaths of two people in Louisville, and the mass murder of eleven people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. It is hard for me to make any sense of these events and the hate-filled hearts of those who perpetrated them. I am saddened and grieve for the victims and their families. I hope they find comfort in the outpouring of support from many quarters.
These acts appear to be rooted in intolerance and the failure to accept and embrace differences. Ours is a purposeful and intentionally diverse community where we affirm the dignity of every person and foster a spirit of respect. I hope that we will embrace those values even more fully in the face of the hate in the headlines.
As a part of the ELCA network of colleges and universities, Wittenberg is not alone in holding these values, which flow from the church as a whole. Please read the statement from The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, in response to the shootings in Pittsburgh at .
Wittenberg extends our deepest sympathy to the people and communities devastated by these recent acts. In remembrance, a candlelight vigil will be held tonight at 6:45 p.m. at Wally Witt to mourn those who died in these tragic events and to support one another at this difficult time.
Regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
University President