I am so thankful for this week of reminders of many blessings. I'm thankful to be able to serve a University comfortable with it's mission to seek Christ in all that we do and for our civic freedom to administer the University in a way consistent with our faith.
A California community college has been sued because it has dared to pray (see news story). "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" has filed a lawsuit against Saddleback College in Mission Viejo California because school officials have routinely held official prayer at events. The president of the school's Board of Trustees is being criticized for this "prayer":
"Historically at events such as these we also take the opportunity to offer a moment of thanksgiving to God -- if He exists. And I'm not here to say that He does. That would be wrong for an elected official, I am told...If you don't believe in God, that's fine. The government has no business trying to convince you otherwise...But if you do believe, I would ask you, personally and not on behalf of the government, to take a moment to thank Him, for the many gifts you believe you have received from Him..."
He seems to be considerate of others while also being true to His own faith. This doesn't sound like the leader of a public institution run amok and forcing a particular faith on their students and staff. Yet, some believe there is no place for faith in public higher education. I have worked in public universities. I know the pressure on Christians to be silent.
We invoke God's name before every lecture at LeTourneau University. We pray publicly and most powerfully we pray privately for each other. It's who we are. Students should always have the choice to study at Christ-centered campuses like LeTourneau. I'm thankful we can still call out to God this Thanksgiving and I will pray that the law will never be used to silence our public prayers. No law can silence the yearnings in our heart for the one who created us and redeemed us.
Comments