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Two Christian Colleges Allow Hiring of Gay Married Professors
Christian Post ^ | 07/23/2015 | Vincent Funaro

Posted on 07/23/2015 7:38:40 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

Two universities that belong to the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, an organization dedicated to delivering Christ-centered education at all of its schools, will now allow the hiring of professors who are married to a partner of the same sex.

Goshen College in Indiana and Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia announced on Monday that they will now hire faculty who are in same-sex marriages.

"We have spent several years reviewing our hiring practices," said Goshen College's Director of Communications Jodi Beyeler to The Christian Post on Monday.

"There's been prayer. We've listened to a variety of voices from our constituencies and stake holders. There have been legal changes. And our board, this past weekend, made the decision to change our non-discrimination policy in light of all that. The primary change would be the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to our non-discrimination policy," said Beyeler.

She also said June's U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states "was not the impetus" for the school's change.

Eastern Mennonite University's Director of Marketing and Communications Andrea Wenger also explained the role the Supreme Court decision played with the school's decision to hire professors in same-sex marriages.

"Of course as our board deliberated they were aware of [the Supreme Court decision]. It was not a driving factor," said Wenger to CP. "They couldn't pretend they didn't know about it. The conversation was focused on what's best for our institution at this time. And they also were very aware and respectful of the Mennonite Church USA process and discernment around this issue."

Wenger further explained that Eastern Mennonite University has had "extensive processing" around the issue for some time.

Both schools have strong relations with the Mennonite Church USA. The organization recently rejected a proposal to authorize same-sex marriages, but has adopted the "forbearance resolution," which focuses on tolerance of opposing views in the community.

The schools issued the same statement regarding the Mennonite Church USA's decision and whether it had any impact on the recent changes to their discrimination policies.

"Out of respect for the denomination, EMU wanted to provide time for the next steps in the church's discernment process before making this decision," said both schools in their statements. "Actions taken by delegates at the convention were considered in the board's deliberations."

A professor of biblical studies at Eastern Mennonite, Nancy Heisey took part in the discussions to change the school's policies on discrimination. She told Inside Higher Ed that the process was slow, but consistent with "Mennonite understanding of discernment of the community."

She added that the university will hold to a biblical worldview when it comes to human sexuality and marriage, but will hire people in straight or same-sex marriages. However, the university has changed its discrimination policy in order to maintain the principle of equity, according to Heisey.

"It's an important principle. It's particularly important in an institution of higher learning," said Heisey. "We have a strong commitment to Christian principles, including that justice is central to the scripture's teaching."

Goshen College President James E. Brenneman said the school recognizes the "diversity of interpretation of Scripture" on the issue of same-sex marriage. He issued this statement regarding the school's change of policy.

"We seek forbearance and grace amidst our differences," said Brenneman. "We deeply affirm the goodness of marriage, singleness, celibacy, sexual intimacy within marriage, and a life of faithfulness before God for all people."

"As a liberal arts college, we strive for an educational environment that encourages critical thinking, loving and respectful dialogue, and continual pursuit of living into our Christ-centered core values. We affirm the equal value and worth of each unique member of our community as a beloved child of God, and we seek to be a hospitable community for all — including those who disagree with this decision — as Christ modeled to us," added Brenneman.


TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Moral Issues; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: christiancolleges; gaymarriage
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To: bike800
I used to drive that route regularly when my kids were in one of the other colleges down there. I've heard the SV has the highest concentration of college students in the country and only two of the bunch are decidedly leftwing, Washington & Lee in Lexington and another in Woodrow Wilson's birthplace of Staunton, Va., whose name escapes me.

At least, that's the way it was a decade or so ago.

21 posted on 07/23/2015 8:57:06 AM PDT by Vigilanteman (Obama: Fake black man. Fake Messiah. Fake American. How many fakes can you fit in one Zer0?)
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To: SeekAndFind

You either follow God’ Word or man word. Seems you are choosing mans word and are just another liberal college and not one based on Christianity.


22 posted on 07/23/2015 9:25:59 AM PDT by 48th SPS Crusader (I am an American. Not a Republican or a Democrat)
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To: UnwashedPeasant

what will they pray about next? Allowing pedophiles to teach? People who practice necrophilia? bestiality? Polygamy?


23 posted on 07/23/2015 9:33:30 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: SeekAndFind

Hey! At least we are now finding out who the pseudo-Christians are.


24 posted on 07/23/2015 9:53:42 AM PDT by SgtHooper (Anyone who remembers the 60's, wasn't there!)
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To: SgtHooper

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

— Matthew 3:12


25 posted on 07/23/2015 9:59:37 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: Vigilanteman

Harrisonburg has five colleges / universities within 10 miles...three within the city limits...James Madison University, EMU Bridgewater College, National college and blue ridge community college...9 months of cngestion, drinking and property damage...


26 posted on 07/23/2015 1:19:41 PM PDT by bike800
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To: SeekAndFind

Wouldn’t Christian students therein have grounds for a lawsuit?


27 posted on 07/23/2015 1:39:10 PM PDT by onedoug
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