JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) — Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, has announced its withdrawal from the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) because of what a Union news release called the council’s “failure to respond appropriately to two member institutions that have endorsed same-sex ‘marriage.’”

CCCU said it is “saddened by Union’s decision” and underscored its practice of “advocating vigorously on behalf of schools that hold the orthodox view of marriage.”

Union President Samuel W. Oliver said, “While there are other associations with whom we affiliate related to our work in higher education, our advocacy for Christ-centered higher education means that we must stand with institutions that share our commitments. Regrettably, that is no longer the case with CCCU.”

Oliver referenced two CCCU member institutions — Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana and Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia — that changed their policies regarding benefits for same-sex couples. Those institutions “abandoned fidelity to God’s Word when they endorsed same-sex ‘marriage,’” Oliver wrote.

After Goshen and Eastern Mennonite announced their policy changes, CCCU said it would begin consulting with member institutions about the situation, Inside Higher Ed reported, noting the council may downgrade Goshen and Eastern Mennonite to “affiliate status” to keep them in the organization but limit their voting privileges.

To read the full story, go to www.thealabamabaptist.org.
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