[magnolialeague]

As a Tribe fan and a season ticket holder, I welcome the Flame Fans that choose to travel to Williamsburg for the 9/15 night game. I encourage you all to bring as many members of the Liberty community as possible even if that means more people than Liberty receives tickets.

As you know, the President of William & Mary decided to remove the longstanding cross from the historically Christian chapel on William & Mary's campus. You can find more information about the issue at www.savethewrencross.com . Many in the W&M community strongly disagree with this hasty decision and are seeking to have it reversed. While a study group has been formed to deliberate on this issue to provide a more "informed" decision, I believe it is up to us Christians to support our faith in a loving manner.

Perhaps Mr. Nichols has done us Christians a favor in reminding us that as Christians we ought not leave our crosses at the church door. Instead, we all need to carry our cross with us at all times whether physically or in our hearts as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice to remove our sins. Unfortunately, this symbol of ultimate love and sacrifice in our faith is being framed by its detractors as a symbol of intolerance. This could not be further from the truth.

This past season I followed Wake Forest football very closely. At the end of the 3rd quarter, all of the fans and the players held up a number 5 in honor of the fallen sibling of their star player. As someone who attended a few of their games, I must say that it was an emotional display of love that so many paid tribute to a higher power. I would like to see this tradition spread amongst college football fans. So I encourage the Liberty community to bring as many followers as possible to Williamsburg on September 15th and to bring a small cross with them as a sign of love. At the end of the 3rd quarter, hold up the cross or an open hand as a solemn moment for peace to one another. I do not wish there to be bickering or maliciousness. Instead, please reply to those who challenge you with a simple, "Peace be with you."

As for those of other faiths, I am certain that the community of W&M would support the construction of another chapel for those interested in not praying to their Creator in a historically Christian chapel.

[Sly Fox]

I applaud your actions, magnolialeague. I wish I could be there but alas I'm halfway across the continent. Frankly I believe we can take a big number of FlameFans to Williamsburg. Its one of our most attractive road dates. I encourage everyone to participate in this cause while supporting our school.

[PAmedic]

like the concept.

then again, I had an umbrella taken from me by event staff at LU.

here's to making a public statement together!

[PeterParker]

Suffice it to say, my intitial reaction is that I have misgivings of LU conspiring to do this while visiting William & Mary as it may come across as an obnoxious and heavyhanded gesture (especially given the Liberty Counsel's earlier involvement.) If the W&M faithful wish to do it, that's cool, I can just foresee this thing, while initiated by some W&M alumni, being spun by the mainstream media as an LU created thing and will become leading story. Just my initial .02, maybe I need a little more time to digest it.

[magnolialeague]

I agree in that if this is not carried off with a smile in a message of love and peace than the mainstream media will spin it into a story of gross intolerance. They'll make it look like a bunch of right wing nutts at an anti-abortion rally. It is imperative that everyone stay above the fray.

Let's face it, the mainstream media is going to be anti-people of faith everytime. They've given us the Da Vinci Code, The Book of Judas, and now have "discovered Jesus' tomb." It is ludicrous. A public display of peace towards our fellow man is the best approach.

Here is what it looked like at the Wake Forest ACC Championship Game:

.

[PeterParker]

Remember, though, that gesture was done in rememberance of a players brother who had died. (Before the comparisons of well Jesus died so isn't it apropos start, perhaps, if a gesture is warranted then all who sympathize with the cross simply bow their heads for a two minutes as a show of understated support. Just an alternative...I think it would be hard to alert the people, who will invariably wonder what the heck is going on, that one is doing the gesture "in a spirit of love." Again, just my .02 from a foresight of potential kickbacks.

[magnolialeague]

True about the comments. I have been an advocate of the 3rd quarter gesture before this cross issue. Maybe the open hand is enough, or if people hold up a small cross that they typically wear around their neck instead. Adding to the gesture should be followed by a sign of peace by greeting your neighbors in the stadium with a handshake including opposing fans with "Peace be with you".

The Wake spirit caught on to its opposing fans. It started with the death of a player's sibling but took on a message of togetherness. Louisville fans at the Orange Bowl were caught up in it and joined in. It is a special moment if we chose it to be inclusive rather than a sign of spite.

I agree. The operation is a delicate situation, but it could be a glorious moment if done well.

[TallyW]

I like the idea... besides.. when has LU been afraid of MSM? It would definitly draw attention to this decision. PP don't be a wet blanket just over the idea... magnolialeague... keep it up... remind us again in August though... it could be forgotten by then.

[Hold My Own]

Bob Good is already looking to take a few buses up for this game...I'm sure something could be worked out with everyone on the bus

[jcmanson]

I will definitely be at the game. This game will be the closest of any LU games to me all year.

[bigsmooth]

great idea magnolia. i look forward to the trip.

[magnolialeague]

Group discout orders can be made through the W&M ticket office. Spread the word.

If someone knows how to take an advertisement out in the Liberty school paper, please let me know.

I look forward to seeing all of you who attend.

[magnolialeague]

Very sad. Gene just doesn't get it. He is making the museum of Christianity on campus where a once proud Christian chapel once stood. Read Gene's quote, ""This has been a challenging task for the Committee, but it has produced a compromise that allows for permanent display of the cross in the Chapel, while remaining welcoming to all. I fully embrace it." What the heck is this, "while remaining welcoming to all"? This is the heart of his problem. A cross is a welcoming sign, Gene feeds the notion that a cross is a symbol of intolerance.

Note from W&M Hierachy:

Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of William and Mary:

As you know, in early February the William and Mary Committee on Religion in a Public University was asked to present recommendations on the display of the Wren Chapel cross by mid April. The charge, while daunting, was accepted in the spirit you'd expect from the best among our College's alumni, faculty, students, and staff.

Last evening we received a unanimous recommendation from the Committee on a new compromise practice on the cross's display. We have accepted and will begin to implement it immediately. A joint statement from the Board of Visitors and the president, including the Committee's full recommendation, follows.


Michael K. Powell Gene R. Nichol
Rector President



JOINT STATEMENT
OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS AND THE PRESIDENT


President and Board
Accept Committee Recommendation on Wren Cross



Following its meeting yesterday, the William and Mary Committee on Religion in a Public University unanimously recommended a compromise practice on the display of the table cross in the Wren Chapel. We accept and will immediately begin to implement the Committee’s recommendations, which we quote in full:

THE WREN CHAPEL CROSS SHALL BE RETURNED FOR PERMANENT DISPLAY IN THE CHAPEL IN A GLASS CASE. THE CASE SHALL BE LOCATED IN A PROMINENT, READILY VISIBLE PLACE, ACCOMPANIED BY A PLAQUE EXPLAINING THE COLLEGE'S ANGLICAN ROOTS AND ITS HISTORIC CONNECTION TO BRUTON PARISH CHURCH. THE WREN SACRISTY SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO HOUSE SACRED OBJECTS OF ANY RELIGIOUS TRADITION FOR USE IN WORSHIP AND DEVOTION BY MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY.

The cross will still be available, of course, for use on the altar during appropriate religious services. This practice is similar to that used by other universities with historic chapels, including the University of Virginia. Other religious symbols, which may be stored in the sacristy when not in use, will also be welcome during the services for which they are appropriate. Under this policy, the Wren Chapel will continue to play its unique historic and affirming role in the life of the College: a place of worship for our students and a site for our most solemn occasions.

The Committee's quick action was unexpected but deeply welcomed. Rector Powell stated, "The Committee membership recognized that further division among our broad university community is unhealthy and it worked intensely to come to a unanimous recommendation, having considered the wide range of sincerely held views of alumni, faculty, students, and friends of the College." President Nichol added, "This has been a challenging task for the Committee, but it has produced a compromise that allows for permanent display of the cross in the Chapel, while remaining welcoming to all. I fully embrace it."

We are grateful to the Committee, and especially its chairs Professors Alan Meese and Jim Livingston, for earnestly embracing this part of their charge. We look forward, as well, to their coming work on other important challenges.

[Sly Fox]

So basically to avoid a religious discrimination suit, they let the cross remain in the chapel in a diminished place along side relics of other religions that are heretical to the founders of the school. Very classy. What a bunch of wishy washy "leaders". With a compromise like this, its hard for anybody to be pleased with the results.

Magnolialeague - Keep fighting the good fight. Hopefully the administrators will see what a ridiculous decision that is at its core.

[TallyW]

What a lousy job.

It's pretty obvious to me that a 12 million dollar donation that was being withheld had something to do with the quick decision.

Now the cross and other religious symbols (budda anyone?) are given equal footing and put in a glass case like a relic... that's great.... All of this is taking place in a CHAPEL none the less.... I wonder if they will change the name to the Wrenn "multi-faith-inter-denominational-no faith-anti faith building"

[NJLibertyboy]

http://www.savethewrencross.org/blog/in ... 11&catid=2

Yeah, especially since the Provost openly approves of sex shows on campus.

[El Scorcho]

I wonder if they will change the name to the Wrenn "multi-faith-inter-denominational-no faith-anti faith building"

I'm not going to be surprised to see most chapels on college campuses become dominated by the Unitarian Universalist church.

[magnolialeague]

Did anyone else notice that after the VT tragedy no one ran to congregate and display community togetherness in the science labs?

Did anyone else notice that people did not say, "May Darwin bring comfort to the VT community?"

There are some mysteries still left in this world and beyond. Therefore, as humans, we have need to be comforted by the grace of Almighty. There is a need for religion, the basis of our human rights as provided by the Constitution, at public schools.

Don't forget this tragedy come September. Bring your cross as the ultimate sign of love and tolerance.

[jcmanson]

Did anyone else notice that after the VT tragedy no one ran to congregate and display community togetherness in the science labs?

Did anyone else notice that people did not say, "May Darwin bring comfort to the VT community?"

There are some mysteries still left in this world and beyond. Therefore, as humans, we have need to be comforted by the grace of Almighty. There is a need for religion, the basis of our human rights as provided by the Constitution, at public schools.

Don't forget this tragedy come September. Bring your cross as the ultimate sign of love and tolerance.

Thanks for coming by here again, and reminding us. These events hopefully have opened many people's eyes in their need for a Savior.

[magnolialeague]

Appreciate the kind words. I read here more than I post. You all seem like a very wonderful bunch and have a great deal to look forward to on the gridiron this coming fall. Your coach seems to be making some good moves. I think you all have good reason to be hopeful.