Thursday, November 23, 2006

The Cross That Divides

The Cross That Divides
By Heather Sells
CBN News

CBNNews.com- There's a passion for history at William and Mary-- and pride.

King William III and Queen Mary II chartered the school in 1693. Their purpose: to train ministers in the Gospel and spread the faith among the Indians.

Now, critics say the public school has turned its back on its Christian heritage.

"What is convenient and comfortable has now taken precedence over what has been the core values and the core heritage of the institution," said Dr. Dave Gyertson, former Christian college president.

"The logic of the decision means you can't have a sacred space at William and Mary," said Vince Haley, from savethewrencross.org.

The two-foot high cross now resides in a small closet behind the chapel. President Gene Nichol's recent decision allows its display only upon request. Until now, it was removed only upon request for special events.

"The truth is, not everyone will ask that it be removed--they just won't go," said Vice President of Student Affairs Sam Sadler. "That's sort of access by exception. What we were trying to do by this is to make access equal for everyone."

Surprisingly, the cross in the chapel is not a part of the founding tradition at William and Mary. In fact, it was only given to the college 60 years ago.

And that's why its removal is a "non-issue" says campus Professor and church historian David Holmes.

Holmes loves the Protestant chapel, which closely resembles revolutionary-era Anglican churches with its clear windows, pews that face each other, and plaques honoring Anglican clergy. But Holmes says, when William and Mary was founded, Anglicans considered crosses to be idolatrous objects.

Holmes said, "There's no mistaking it for a Christian church, and Christianity does not revolve around the presence or absence of a cross in a chapel."

Alumnus Vince Haley is not convinced. He's leading a protest that's collected 3,800 signatures from students, alumni, and friends of the college.

Some students CBN News spoke with are clearly upset about the decision.

"To me it's offensive to say that my religious symbol is offensive," said Joe Luppino-Esposito, who opposes the cross removal.

Rory Easton, also opposed its removal said, "I think it's unfortunate that we seem to be succumbing to a politically correct society."

But others support the college, like Virginia Burk. She said, "People should understand that not everyone believes in that kind of stuff, and it can be very offensive."

For now, college administrators say they have no plans to even consider removing other Christian symbols on campus.

But it's a promise that brings little comfort to those who love not only William and Mary, but also the reminders of its remarkable Christian history.

The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. © 2006

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