Lee University Leadership Commitment to Doctrinal Integrity
March 30, 2021 • Cleveland, Tennessee
Dr. Tim Hill, General Overseer, and the International Executive Committee
In recent days, you may have heard or seen statements concerning a Lee University chapel service where a non-faculty guest speaker addressed sexual orientation, sexual identity, and marriage in a manner contrary to Scripture, teachings, and foundational doctrine of Lee University and its sponsoring denomination, the Church of God.
The International Executive Committee shared their concerns and those of many ministers with President Mark Walker and the leadership of Lee University. At such time, Dr. Walker was already proactively focusing upon the situation. In cooperation with the Executive Committee, Dr. Walker began immediately to address the issue firmly, providing Biblical correction and doctrinal understanding for the student body of Lee.
Dr. Walker and the Lee University team released a formal statement regarding the presentation and, further, Dr. Walker scheduled the next chapel service to speak with the student body to provide clarity of the Biblical foundation of Lee University and the doctrine upon which the university was founded and built.
During the process, the International Executive Committee maintained regular communications with Dr. Walker. In addition, Church of God leaders, including the Executive Council and state/regional administrative bishops, were kept informed through an email update and a video conference.
The Executive Committee has and continues to affirm the leadership actions of Dr. Walker and the commitment of Lee University to doctrinal integrity and practice. In addition, in recent days the Board of Directors of Lee University have also affirmed the leadership of Dr. Walker and emphasized the school’s foundational guidance of Biblical principles.
Relevant issues of marriage and sexuality must be predicated upon a sound Biblical perspective and church doctrine. The beliefs and commitments of the Church of God are our non-negotiables and should be clearly taught based upon the authority of Scripture.
As we move forward, our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen, provide guidance and spiritual direction to President Walker, Lee University, and the Church of God as we fulfill the Great Commission as a church on mission.
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