I think Lonnie Wilkey did a great job expressing his position and articulating my thoughts on the Belmont situation, so I am posting it here for the sake of clarity:
Belmont leadership is sending out a mixed message
By Lonnie Wilkey, editor
Last week I wrote an editorial in support of what Belmont University did in regard to an admitted lesbian faculty member. An agreement was reached for the women’s soccer coach to leave the Belmont staff.
TBC Executive Director Randy Davis expressed a similar opinion in a Baptist Press release dated Dec. 9.
I based my opinion on statements by Marty Dickens, chairman of the trustees at Belmont. He noted that “we expect people to commit themselves to high moral and ethical standards within a Christian context.” I stand by what I wrote based on what Dickens said.
Belmont University was being criticized in the secular media and I felt the Christian community should stand up for Belmont for what I perceived to be a brave stand, especially in today’s cultural climate.
The pressure continued throughout last week and culminated with one of the school’s largest financial contributors speaking out against Belmont.
Later in the week, Belmont President Bob Fisher issued a statement in which he said “sexual orientation is not considered in making hiring, promotion, salary or dismissal decisions at Belmont.”
I disagree wholeheartedly with Dr. Fisher on that point. To knowingly hire gay or lesbian faculty or staff or to allow them to remain if their lifestyle becomes public knowledge goes against traditional Christian values. More importantly, it goes against what the Bible says.
Belmont is sending out a mixed message. It either stands on Christian values or it does not.
Pray for Belmont’s leadership in the days and months ahead. My prayer is that Belmont will continue to be a Christian institution without apology.
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Thank you for this message. I am a Belmont graduate and it hurts me to see the stand that they have taken. I, too, was proud with the administration’s initial stand and was so disappointed when they reversed it.
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I always like this quote “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” And, it is so true. If for ANY reason you don’t take a stand for what is right, then you will let anything go.
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Pray for this school.
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Thank you for the clarity on this issue. I was extremely confused over the whole deal. The previous post was right on: pray for this school. I am assuming that they asked this woman to step down from her position which should be applauded. However, the way they have back-tracked on the initial decision is a disgrace, but what what do you expect? Belmont has continued to move more to the “left” of Truth over the years & I am grateful that they are not apart of our convention.
