Senior Director Axed For Defying Statement Of Faith
Fuller Theological Seminary recently terminated one of its senior directors, Ruth Schmidt, due to her disagreement with the institution’s biblical stance on LGBT issues. Schmidt, who had been employed at Fuller since 2020, was relieved of her duties last month after she declined to sign Fuller’s statement of faith, as reported by Religion News Service.
Central to the disagreement was the statement’s position on sexual ethics, which mandates that students and faculty uphold abstinence until marriage, defined exclusively as the union of one man and one woman. Schmidt, who initially signed the statement in 2022, cited financial concerns as a factor in her decision at the time. However, she expressed regret over her decision, asserting that she could not in good conscience endorse a statement that could potentially harm those she was called to serve.
While Fuller Theological Seminary declined to discuss specific details of Schmidt’s employment, a spokesperson emphasized the institution’s commitment to community standards, which all members are required to uphold. These standards, outlined by Fuller, deem premarital, extramarital, and homosexual sexual conduct as contrary to biblical teaching, expecting adherence from students, faculty, administrators, staff, and trustees alike.
Fuller’s President, David Emmanuel Goatley, highlighted the institution’s ongoing deliberation and discernment regarding issues of human sexuality, acknowledging the multifaceted implications of such discussions. Goatley emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue with civility and hospitality, even amidst disagreement, to embody Christian maturity and promote inclusivity.
In a legal context, Fuller’s stance on sexual conduct received affirmation from the United States District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which upheld the institution’s right to enforce its standards while still receiving federal funding, citing religious exemptions under Title IX civil rights law.
Schmidt’s dismissal from Fuller Theological Seminary underscores the complexities surrounding the intersection of faith, institutional standards, and personal convictions, reflecting broader discussions within the Christian community regarding human sexuality and biblical interpretation.
Any person who is either a student or staff member of any college or university that claims to be a Christian institution must abide by the Inspired, Inerrant and Infallible Word of the Living God: the Holy Bible is very clear concerning all conduct and lifestyles of any and all it’s students and faculty! The Bible clearly forbids all forms of sexual immorality and sexual perversion!
AMEN
Exactly, it is impossible for a person to be a Christian and not believe what the Bible teaches!
How encouraging to find even glimmers of faith in this dark, dark fallen world. Would I take the chance of losing money because of my faith? Yes, I would, I havem and would again.