Washington Post Article

Here is the link to today's Washington Post Article about the Wren Cross controversy.

And here are a couple of comments I've received from people who wrote to the post and asked that their comments be posted here as well.

Memo to Nichol, Powell, and Sadler:

The sophistry of the president, the indifference of the BOV chair, and the
sycophancy of the president's supporters define the true dilemma for William and
Mary. This venerable institution is, today, devoid of leaders of great character
and stature. While they have elected to make the Wren Chapel Cross an issue,
they have stumbled and failed to present a thoughtful and well-reasoned
justification for removing the Cross from the 300 year-old chapel. They present
a defense and subsequent compromise as if they, too, had been removed to a
closet. How else could they continue to fail to see the gravity of this matter?

In sharp contrast, with over 7,000 petitioners, opponents speak with eloquence;
with a deep and abiding appreciation and understanding of the College's
heritage; and with a palpable commitment to preserving the traditions of William
and Mary. This collective response has spanned the globe and ranged from current
students to alums who have graduated over the past six decades.

The president's personal affection for public policy issues - especially in the
areas of constitutional law, federal courts, and civil liberties - has informed
his "theory" that the Wren Chapel with an 18-inch Christian cross could not
possibly be welcoming to all. He concluded that a flexible and time-tested
policy that encouraged access to persons of all religions, as well as to any
non-religious groups, could not possibly be viewed as "tolerant", "welcoming",
or "inclusive." For Nichol, the absence of factual evidence created no obstacle
to advancing his theory and making a unilateral decision to remove the Cross
from the chapel.

The crisis at William and Mary is NOT the Cross. The crisis at William and Mary
is the dearth of mature and principled leadership.

William and Mary, I pray for you.

Robert G. Jones
Class of 1972

****

RE Washington Post article on the cross, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006: History as substantial and cherished as that of the Wren Chapel (note its name: The Wren Chapel, Not the Wren Spare Room or Community Center) trumps any need for political correctness in the academic world. The Chapel and its staff have never turned away anyone because he or she was not Christian. People of all faiths may use the Chapel with the cross removed at their request. Is that so hard? A simple request that is guaranteed to be honored is not a problem that needs to be fixed.

Alumni response has been analytical, polite, and respectful, not emotional as charged in this article. The issues are how and why the cross was removed -- unilaterally and for political reasons-- and opposing the rampant push for a secular society, a push that will eliminate all religious references from a nation framed in Judeo-Christian ideals.

Karla Kraynak Bruno
Class of '81 and '92