June 1, 2009

To Members of the Graceland Community

It is sometimes necessary to provide a clarification to our valued alumni, friends and employees when an event takes place that may be misunderstood or misinterpreted by individuals within our diverse community. Such an event occurred on Commencement Sunday, May 17 when a same-sex marriage took place at the Roy A. Cheville Chapel on our Lamoni Campus. The event was booked through our Campus Ministries office as a "worship service" and in the hectic days preceding Commencement neither I nor members of the Executive Council were aware that a same-sex wedding was planned.

Community of Christ, Graceland's sponsoring church, relies upon current policy that does not allow its ministers to perform marriages between two persons of the same sex. The Church continues its dialogue and evaluation of this divisive issue. Same-sex marriages are now legal in Iowa, as they are in several states and countries, including Canada.

Given current church policy, we would not have authorized the May 17 wedding at Graceland with a Community of Christ priesthood member conducting the service. Graceland will now seek additional information about worship services planned on our campus and will adhere to Community of Christ policy that its ministers are not authorized to officiate in same-sex marriages.

I am sensitive that across our country strong feelings are being expressed about this issue. I respect the disparate viewpoints and the right of individuals to express them. Graceland stands upon a proud tradition of openness, acceptance, understanding, the worth of all persons and the Divine's love for all humankind.

If you would like to discuss this issue with me, please feel free to email jsellars@graceland.edu, or telephone 1.641.784.5112.

Sincerely,

John Sellars
Graceland President

A RESPONSE FROM ANDY HORNER:

Dear President Sellars,

I am writing to let you know that I am quite troubled by the letter below.

I should let you know that I am a Graceland graduate and a High Priest serving in the Rocky Mountain Mission Center. My experience at Graceland was transformative. I made friendships that have lasted for decades and my own sense of myself and my values were powerfully impacted by the academic classes, social activities, and religious life that I participated in there.

I did some poking around at the Graceland University web site and found the school's policy on non-discrimination at http://www.graceland.edu/academics/catalog/5213/#POND. It says that it is Graceland's policy "not to discriminate against any employee, prospective employee, student, or prospective student, on the basis of ... sexual orientation." Your letter states that people who would otherwise be permitted to use the chapel will be denied that opportunity specifically because they are homosexual. Your letter directly contradicts Graceland's policy on non-discrimination. Is it true that a call from the First Presidency or letters from some disgruntled alumni are sufficient to override a policy that has been adopted by the Board of Trustees?

Your willingness to enforce this policy on behalf of the church also raises concern about academic independence at the school. What would you do, for example, if there were complaints that the academic program did not sufficiently conform to the church's position on homosexuality? Maybe instructors have been speaking out in favor of full equality for gays and lesbians. If Graceland is not independent enough to make its own decisions about the chapel, why should we believe the church's influence won't extend into the classroom? Even if you commit to academic independence, doesn't a decision like this inevitably have a chilling effect on academic freedom?

While Graceland is affiliated with the church and gets support from the church, it is not Graceland's responsibility to serve as an enforcer of church discipline on church members. The policy I mentioned above also states that Graceland will not discriminate based on religion. Your letter implies that only Community of Christ same-sex weddings will be prohibited, but isn't this discrimination based on religion? Or will you investigate and enforce the policies of the authorizing denomination of any clergy who intend to perform a same-sex marriages at the chapel?

It is my hope and expectation that the position outlined in your letter will be reversed before the fall term begins. Let the church take care of its own discipline and maintain Graceland's proud tradition of independence.

Sincerely,
Andy Horner