Pastor Mitchell,
Thank you for expressing your concerns. Chancellor Falwell asked me to convey the following message.
A strong gospel message will be delivered by Dr. Paige Patterson at LU's
Commencement but please understand that
LU has always had two commencement ceremonies--baccalaureate and graduation.
Baccalaureate is intended to deliver one last gospel message to our
graduates and their families before they leave LU. The speaker is always
someone who is a solid Christian leader. This year it is Dr. Paige
Patterson. Graduation speakers have never been chosen based on their
religious beliefs. Instead, the speakers have represented leaders from every
walk of life who share LU's social and traditional family values. The
speakers have included Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Jewish, and some with
no religious affiliation at all. Their speeches have focused on the values
they share with LU, not on their faith. Like Convocation but unlike Campus
Church, Commencement is not a worship service and LU has made it clear that
it does not endorse the religious views or lifestyle choices of its
Convocation or Commencement speakers. Thank you for your concern!
Kelli C. Tripp
Assistant to Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Chancellor & President
Liberty University
Campus North 2656
(434) 582-2957
[email protected]