Following is a copy of a letter written by Dr. Bob Jones III. My understanding this letter was sent to persons troubled by the controversy taking place at the university. I am speculating, but I believe the letter was his reply to people who inquired with him about these things. I don’t believe it was sent out as anything like an open letter or some other unsolicited message. So he was not ramping up a communications effort; he was only providing a reply to inquirers. His letter is an example of Christian charity, wisdom and statesmanship. I trust his measured words will have a calming effect.
Dear _____:Your concerns for the future of the University are not unwarranted. I delight in you and all other graduates like you who want the University to stay spiritually strong and aligned with its founding purposes. If I sat where you sit, I would see a favorable picture of BJU just as you do. There is so much to be thankful for over the years that Dr. Pettit has been at the helm. I consider that we are personal friends and by many important measurements the University is doing very, very well.
However, over the last year some embarrassing, antithetical things, historically uncharacteristic things, which would have never happened in the past have occurred. From all over the country the Board received pleas from graduates and others, to look into these matters fearing that the University had veered in its direction, and unique distinctives without which it would become irrelevant. Naturally, the Board was obligated, by reason of its existence, to step in. One Board member put it this way. “BJU has no future if we have a Board that has no say so in BJU’s future.” The Board did the right thing by coming to the president, who is their employee, for answers. These discussions are ongoing.
If a successful solution results, it will only occur if both parties maintain an overarching understanding that the University’s best interest is to be served more than the personal interest of either side. Each side must show that no ones [sic] wins unless the cause wins. Only one side, the university’s side, must come out the winner. That will not happen if the permanent is sacrificed on the altar of the immediate.
I find myself–by request both from the president and from the Board–deeply involved. There is so much more I would like to share with you but cannot. I do ask that you realize that the Board would not be involved if it did not feel its bylaws mandated it to be the protector of the institution’s character, and as the one to whom the president is accountable. Hopefully, everyone involved in this wants the outcome to leave the University in a stronger place than before, and with its mission protected from the seepage of religious or cultural compromises.
I would simply ask that every graduate who has “continued in the things which you have learned” (2 Tim 3:14) and wishes the University to maintain its spiritual character and mission give the board wisdom to know the root cause from which the declensions of the last year have emanated and firmness to do whatever is necessary, however painful, to stop the hemorrhage.
Kind regards,
Bob Jones III
Bold added by site publisher
For More in the series see, While We Wait: Let's Talk About It
Site Publisher Addendum:
Examples of, "embarrassing, antithetical things, historically uncharacteristic things, which would have never happened in the past occurred," include
BJU Fashion Design Runway Show
BJU Embraces Franklin Graham's Ecumenical Movement
BJU Compromised Spiritual Sanctification for Secular Pragmatism
Previous Articles in the Current Series:
Steve Pettit's Tenure at BJU in Question
IFCA Meddling in the Affairs of BJU
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