Wren Cross used by nichol's to stir the pot

On December 12, 2006, Amy Bryce Paul (Class of 90) sent the following e-mail to be posted with permission:


Just when my anger and disappointment over President Nichol's decision to remove the cross from the Wren Chapel had begun to dissipate, I read his remarks in the December issue of the W&M eNewsletter.

The idea that there are W&M students who visit the Wren Chapel and feel that their presence there is "only tolerated" is absurd. If those students are NOT of the Christian faith, I can only assume that they are visiting the Chapel for historical purposes. As such, the sight of a cross upon the altar would be quite expected and in keeping with the history of any chapel.

Furthermore, there are a great many places on and near the campus where students can go to "reflect" and "meditate." However, I would certainly point out to students that if you choose to visit a CHAPEL for meditative purposes, please do not be offended if there happens to be a cross within sight (much as you would expect to find books in a library). I would also say the same to a Christian who perchance wanders into a synagogue or a mosque and is "surprised" by any religious symbols they find there.

7,118 W&M alumni and VA citizens have signed a petition requesting that President Nichol overturn his decision. He has refused. What kind of "unmistakable message" (to use Nichol's own words) does that send to us?

I don't consider Nichol's decision to be the "grist of a great university." I consider it to be the folly of one man's shocking ignorance.

Amy Bryce Paul (Class of 90)