Old Professors’ Association (OPA)

A Community of Scholarship, Fellowship, and Lifelong Learning

For over 25 years, the Old Professors’ Association (OPA) has provided a space for retired faculty members to engage in meaningful discussion, scholarly exchange, and fellowship. Originally founded at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), the group has expanded to welcome colleagues from McCormick Theological Seminary, as well as distinguished scholars from Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and beyond.

A Tradition of Intellectual Exploration

The OPA began as an in-person gathering of LSTC emeritus faculty, meeting for lunch and presentations on topics of interest or academic expertise. These discussions, rich with insight, collegiality, and good humor, were a hallmark of the group’s commitment to lifelong learning.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OPA transitioned to an online format, allowing members from across the country to stay connected. Today, we continue to meet monthly from September through May via Zoom, making participation possible no matter where our members reside.

Each OPA gathering features:

  • Engaging Presentations – Members share research, insights, and reflections on topics spanning theology, history, social issues, and beyond.
  • Lively Discussion – A space for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas among colleagues and friends.
  • Meaningful Fellowship – A chance to stay connected with fellow scholars, even beyond retirement.

Who Can Join?

The OPA welcomes:

  • Retired faculty from LSTC, McCormick Theological Seminary, and Catholic Theological Union 
  • Select colleagues from other institutions with shared interests
  • Scholars and theological educators seeking intellectual exchange

A 2025 Statement from the OPA

As scholars, educators, and retired faculty committed to the formation of religious leaders, the Old Professors’ Association (OPA) presents this statement as a grounded critique of the administration’s current direction, engaging deeply with the problematics of Christian nationalism.

In a time when Christian nationalism and its political alliances pose significant challenges to both theological integrity and democratic principles, we believe it is imperative to offer a response rooted in scripture, moral conviction, and historical awareness. This document, titled “We Belong, Not to Ourselves, but to Christ,” takes its inspiration from the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) and serves as an urgent theological reflection on the intersections of faith, justice, and public life in our contemporary times.

This statement is not meant to be final or exhaustive. Rather, the OPA presents it as an invitation to thoughtful engagement, trusting that the Holy Spirit will move through these words to inspire faithful witness and collective action.Read the full statement here. You can find a Spanish language version of the statement here.

Want to Learn More or Join?

If you are interested in learning more about OPA or joining our next gathering, please contact convener Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry Professor emeritus of Reformation History at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Kurt K. Hendel khendel@lstc.edu.

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