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From a resolution unanimously adopted by the W&M Board of Visitors on Nov. 17, 2006
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04 November
The Flat Hat: Haley' 88: Save the cross
To the Editor:
There should be no confusion; President Nichol’s order to remove the cross from permanent display in the Wren Chapel is a radical decision. It is a radical decision that alumni, students and faculty should act to reverse. If the cross removal order stands, the College community will be accepting a dramatic erosion of its core historic identity.
By Vince Haley, ‘88
November 4, 2006
To the Editor:
There should be no confusion; President Nichol’s order to remove the cross from permanent display in the Wren Chapel is a radical decision. It is a radical decision that alumni, students and faculty should act to reverse. If the cross removal order stands, the College community will be accepting a dramatic erosion of its core historic identity.
Since 1906, the College has been a non-sectarian public institution and, for 100 years, its public mission has never experienced any conflict with the maintenance of the permanent display of the cross in the Wren Chapel. The Chapel and cross honor the College’s historic mission to train young men for the Christian ministry, as contained in the Royal Charter. 12 of the College’s 26 Presidents were ministers, including the first, Reverend James Blair. The Chapel and cross also signal a warm welcome to people who can take part in a living faith tradition within the heart of the College community. This is our history. When did our history become so offensive?
Students of all beliefs are welcome at the College. Most are undoubtedly drawn to the College by its history and its welcoming identity. The secular and anti-religious are welcome too, but they are not entitled to rewrite the College’s history. No student is compelled to visit the Wren Chapel. If someone is uncomfortable in the Wren Chapel with the Wren Cross, there are plenty of secular places on campus in which to meet, including other rooms within the Wren Building. Why does all of the College suddenly need to be a cross-free zone, notwithstanding 300-plus years of history and tradition to the contrary? The only change is a new tolerance for the intolerant.
The cross is now stored in a closet -- hidden like a shameful relic from an embarrassing past. The College’s new president may be terribly confused about the College’s identity. It doesn’t mean the rest of us have to be.
-- Vince Haley, ’88
There should be no confusion; President Nichol’s order to remove the cross from permanent display in the Wren Chapel is a radical decision. It is a radical decision that alumni, students and faculty should act to reverse. If the cross removal order stands, the College community will be accepting a dramatic erosion of its core historic identity.
By Vince Haley, ‘88
November 4, 2006
To the Editor:
There should be no confusion; President Nichol’s order to remove the cross from permanent display in the Wren Chapel is a radical decision. It is a radical decision that alumni, students and faculty should act to reverse. If the cross removal order stands, the College community will be accepting a dramatic erosion of its core historic identity.
Since 1906, the College has been a non-sectarian public institution and, for 100 years, its public mission has never experienced any conflict with the maintenance of the permanent display of the cross in the Wren Chapel. The Chapel and cross honor the College’s historic mission to train young men for the Christian ministry, as contained in the Royal Charter. 12 of the College’s 26 Presidents were ministers, including the first, Reverend James Blair. The Chapel and cross also signal a warm welcome to people who can take part in a living faith tradition within the heart of the College community. This is our history. When did our history become so offensive?
Students of all beliefs are welcome at the College. Most are undoubtedly drawn to the College by its history and its welcoming identity. The secular and anti-religious are welcome too, but they are not entitled to rewrite the College’s history. No student is compelled to visit the Wren Chapel. If someone is uncomfortable in the Wren Chapel with the Wren Cross, there are plenty of secular places on campus in which to meet, including other rooms within the Wren Building. Why does all of the College suddenly need to be a cross-free zone, notwithstanding 300-plus years of history and tradition to the contrary? The only change is a new tolerance for the intolerant.
The cross is now stored in a closet -- hidden like a shameful relic from an embarrassing past. The College’s new president may be terribly confused about the College’s identity. It doesn’t mean the rest of us have to be.
-- Vince Haley, ’88