My Recommender Failed (Theology School)

[Xavier27]

I am applying to a school of theology affiliated to a secular university for a Master in Theological Studies (MTS). That degree is for laypeople who want to be leaders in their local churches or those interested in academia. Actually, I am not going to any church but have always wanted to study theology. The degree is not intended for clergy ordination. I chose that particular school of theology because I am gay and the school is actively involved in social justice advocacy like immigration, LGBTQ rights, racism, etc. I am actually involved in affordable housing advocacy against gentrification and displacement.

I needed three letters of recommendation from people familiar with my social activism. They could be from religious or non-religious people. I asked three leaders from the community and they agreed. One of those leaders is a member of a church with a policy very common among many churches of  "we love gays, but don't love their sin." I knew that she belongs to that kind of church, but I always felt that she didn't have any problem with my sexual orientation during our work together.

Well, two of the recommenders sent their letters on time before the deadline. The deadline date was on each request. In spite of the fact that I waived my right to see all the letters, both recommenders gave me the chance to know what they wrote before submission. Every time I followed up on the third recommender, she had an excuse like being too busy from work but always assured that she was going to write it.

I followed up the day before the deadline and left a voice mail, but she never replied. I know that people are busy with work and other responsibilities, I know that writing a well-written recommendation takes time and can't be done in a hurry. However, I feel that I gave them enough time. I finally called her the same deadline date and she did not answer. I submitted my application on time with all the components completed, except for her letter.

I contacted the admissions office and they said that as long as the rest of the application is complete, they will grant me an extension until the first Monday of February. Fortunately, I already found another person willing to write the letter and I will follow up diligently as before. 

I do not know what to think about this. Could it be possible that she did not do it based on her church's teachings? We have an activity to work together on the second Wednesday of February. It will be a very awkward encounter, not because she did not write the letter but her unreliability and disappearance. Honestly, I would not want to talk about the situation unless she apologizes next time I see her. I still wonder what happened?