Union University, a Christian school in Tennessee and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) member since 1991, announced Thursday, August 13 that it has withdrawn its membership from the organization in response to two CCCU member schools that endorsed same-sex relationships.
Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver notified the organization in a letter to Shirley Hoogstra, president of CCCU, and Charles Pollard, chairman of the CCCU Board of Directors.
When Goshen College in Indiana and Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia to made the decision to permit the hiring of faculty in same-sex relationships in July, they have "abandoned fidelity to God's Word when they endorsed same-sex marriage," Oliver wrote.
Because CCCU "was not ready to deal with this issue," Oliver felt that Union University "must stand with institutions that share our commitments. Regrettably, that is no longer the case with the CCCU."
Oliver emphasized that he does not intend for the university's decision to draw others away from CCCU and has no immediate plans to join a different organization.
"The Union community has certainly benefited from the student programs, professional development, and advocacy offered by the Council, as well as our fellowship together," Oliver wrote.
"Even still, our faithfulness to the authority of Scripture takes precedence," he asserted.
