On the eve of the fifth Law, Justice and Culture Institute, Richard Acker, a faithful brother in Christ, speaker, and supporter of the Center for Law and Culture—and voice for caring for God’s creation—went to be with his Lord and Savior. May 20, 2007, was his 38th birthday. Richard fought cancer for more than two years with an inspirational spirit, led by his unwavering faith.
Executive Director Charlie Emmerich mentored Richard during his time at the University of Chicago Law School, while Susan Emmerich came to know him by co-teaching the LJC Institute section on creation care. Although he had degrees from Brown University, Princeton University, and University of Chicago’s Law School, Richard chose a humble and modest paying position as a staff attorney with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, a non-governmental group in Chicago. It was there that he used his amazing talents and gifts to help preserve God’s creation. He participated in past Institutes by lecturing on the biblical basis for caring for creation and encouraged students going into the fields of law, government, and politics to live a simple and humble lifestyle no matter their income. He and his wife lived out this principle.
Just a month before his death, Richard was promoting the 2007 Law, Justice and Culture Institute at his church and beyond. His last journal entry typifies his life: “Do not fail to seize the love of God, which is as available to you in the all-embracing sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
In honor of Richard’s love for the law and creation, the Center is naming a scholarship in his honor: The Richard Acker Creation Care Scholarship.
Those who follow the last Adam, Jesus Christ, follow the example of the one who makes all things new, the one who makes all things right again. Colossians 1:19-20 puts it this way: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things.” While we mourn his loss, heaven proclaims and hearkens his homecoming—the reconciliation.
Farewell good and faithful servant of the Lord.
