Trinity University took a Stand for Christ

Geronami: Trinity University in Texas recently came under the attack from secularist students who wanted to remove 'in the year of our Lord' from their diplomas. But University took a stand for Christ. Good news for today. Please read the full story below.

Trinity University's board of trustees announced Thursday they will not grant a student group's request to drop the phrase "our Lord" from diplomas, saying that while Trinity welcomes all religions, it is right to honor its Christian roots.

"The board's decision reflects its desire to continue a Trinity tradition, and the words 'in the year of our Lord' are appropriate for the diploma, given Trinity's history and heritage," said Walter Huntley, vice chairman of the board and an Atlanta businessman.

The Trinity Diversity Connection, which requested the phrasing be dropped, issued this statement:

TDC "respects the decision the board of trustees made and appreciates their time and concern on this issue. While this was not the decision many of us were hoping for, we realize that this is a complicated issue. (TDC) will continue to represent, and advocate for, diversity on our campus."

Trinity was founded in 1869 by Presbyterians; its name signfies joint efforts of three Presbyterian synods in the name of the Holy Trinity. Since 1969, the university has been governed by an independent board of directors, maintaining a "covenant relationship" with the church.

In the past decade, school officials have sought to diversify the student body, recruiting more international students and fostering a campus environment that's accepting of all backgrounds and faiths.

The TDC requested last year that officials drop the reference to "our Lord" from diplomas, arguing that a degree is a personal document and that not all students believe in Jesus Christ.

The student government and a commencement committee backed the TDC's request, but university and diversity group leaders encountered a national backlash after the San Antonio Express-News ran a story on the debate that was picked up by news outlets around the country.