Taking next logical step after 'The Statement'

"The Statement" given by the Wheaton College faculty and staff provides a profound example of speaking truth to power. The statement delivers an uncompromising rebuke of countless numbers within the Christian community. In accordance with the absolute claims of justice and the clear criticisms of churches to understand complicity with injustice, it would seem incumbent that Wheaton College courageously take the next logical course of action.

"The Statement" unquestionably denounces many unnamed Christians leaders and chastises those that have not voiced equal condemnation of the events of Jan. 6. Its judgments are absolute and therefore justice seems to demand that the college reject all financial contributions from all those remotely associated with the leadership and causes that led to the attacks.

All persons and organizations that have contributed to the former president's campaign or the initiatives that worked toward his reelection clearly fall into this category. According to this judgment, they are guilty by association and should be receive adequate church discipline.

Because "The Statement" seems to reject all other perspectives, the college ought in turn reject all capital support from those guilty of their condemning pronouncements. Again, it seems that such damning accusations mean absolutely nothing unless the college establishes both rhetorical and a financial disassociation. If not, we see an obvious and deplorable hypocrisy. Accepting contributions from those that they've condemned appears as a shameful compromise.

Most importantly, such principled action no doubt will clearly, "show students, as well as the larger Wheaton College and Christian community, how to practice discernment in civic engagement, to demonstrate the connections between love and justice and to courageously communicate the truth - even and especially when the truth is difficult to hear."

The actions of truth are often infinitely more difficult to do, than simply speaking what you perceive as truth.

Steve Nelson

Wheaton