Cal State Universities reinstated InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA as a chartered campus organization on Friday, June 19. InterVarsity is a campus ministry that equips students and faculty with Bible teaching, community, and discipleship training to effectively evangelize and build up Christian leaders. 23 chapters in 19 campuses were unchartered in the 2014-2015 school year due to CSU's "Formal Chartering and Recognition Policies."
"No campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society, or other student organization unless its membership and leadership are open to all currently enrolled students at that campus," states CSU's executive order 1068.
As a Christian ministry, InterVarsity resisted the new policy of opening leadership positions to non-believers. While the all-comers policy on membership was acceptable, its policy on leadership positions compromised InterVarsity's core Christian values. Like other Christian clubs, it had lost its campus recognition because of its requirement for leaders to be Christian.
"InterVarsity's Christian faith compels us to welcome all people. We support CSU in its commitment to serve the diversity of students on its campuses. In fact, InterVarsity communities are some of the most diverse groups on Cal State's campuses," said InterVarsity president Jim Lundgren in a press release. At the same time, we maintain our commitment to provide campus communities that are clearly Christian, where all students can experience and learn more about Christian community, theology, and practice. We're grateful for this development and are looking forward to continued ministry on CSU campuses."
CSU clarified that the policy only requires InterVarsity to "allow all students to become members" and to "allow all students to apply for leadership positions." Friday's decision allowed for InterVarsity to regain access to the use of campus buildings and student government funding to meet for Bible study, campus gatherings, leadership training, discipleship, events, and conferences. They had lost those on-campus privileges following an executive order made in December 2011. To become formally chartered and recognized by CSU, organizations had to adhere to the new policies.
"Following substantive and cordial ongoing conversations, CSU clarified the intent and reach of Executive Order 1068. We are confident we can choose leaders who are qualified to lead InterVarsity's witnessing communities throughout the Cal State system," said Lundgren.
Christian Post reported on Monday that InterVarsity cannot "expressively prohibit non-Christians or LGBT students from applying and being considered for leadership roles with the ministry," but the university will allow them "to ensure that leaders are qualified to lead a Christian ministry." Greg Jao, InterVarsity's vice president said that they plan to ask potential leaders questions on Gospel fidelity, their commitment to the Gospel, and leadership capabilities.
