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October 30, 2006

Surrender In Virdhimmia

Via Michelle Malkin comes this story concerning the College of William and Mary:

WILLIAMSBURG -- Officials at the College of William and Mary have removed a 2-foot-high gold cross from a campus chapel they say is increasingly used for nonreligious events.

"In order to make the Wren Chapel less of a faith-specific space, and to make it more welcoming to students, faculty, staff and visitors of all faiths, the cross has been removed from the altar area," read a recent e-mail to Wren Building employees.

The e-mail came from Melissa Engimann, assistant director for historic campus, according to The Flat Hat college newspaper Web site.

The chapel is in the Sir Christopher Wren Building, which was finished in 1699 and is used for some of the school's biggest ceremonies. Incoming freshmen take the honor pledge in the chapel during orientation, and seniors march through it on their way to commencement.

Of course, don't you dare question the motives of the Administrators:

(William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol) "Let me be clear. I have not banished the cross from the Wren Chapel. The chapel, as you know, is used for religious ceremonies by members of all faiths. The cross will remain in the chapel and be displayed on the altar at appropriate religious services.

"But the chapel is also used frequently for college events that are secular in nature -- and should be open to students and staff of all beliefs. "

So is he saying that before there were guards at the door that stopped jews from entering when the cross was there?

And anyway, how far had they sunk before this that all that is left is a 2 foot cross?

As Michelle says "How about leaving the cross where it stands and telling students to grow up and demonstrate real tolerance?"

Amen to that.

Posted by Mr. Bingley at October 30, 2006 07:38 AM

Comments

How is this different from the military chapels with removable crosses? What's the big deal? Seems people might be a bit too sensitive, and I understand why, but this doesn't seem to be a big issue to me.

Posted by: Mike Rentner at October 30, 2006 09:27 AM

Well Mike, normally I'd agree with you but this line:

The chapel is in the Sir Christopher Wren Building, which was finished in 1699

...tells me it's a chapel from the very beginning HUNDREDS of years ago (i.e.historically) and if people can't deal with that, they need to get over it.

Posted by: tree hugging sister at October 30, 2006 09:45 AM

Well, back then there was a state religion, too. But it's not a big deal either way. People tend to be overly sensitive about these things.

Posted by: Mike Rentner at October 30, 2006 01:38 PM

People tend to be overly sensitive about these things.

My irony meter just shattered.

Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at October 30, 2006 02:57 PM