Setting the Record Straight

As we prepared for the press conference on June 9 announcing The University Project [video], I fully expected to receive messages of admiration, admonition and everything in between. With all sincerity, I am thankful for all the responses to The University Project as they help me understand the questions and concerns that this unique proposal raises in people’s minds. 

The idea of educating religious leaders and scholars in a multi-religious consortium certainly captured the imagination of the popular media, and raised the ire of those from religiously traditional perspectives on talk radio, the blogosphere, and newspapers of all stripes. 

As is expected, there are many misconceptions about The University Project, and now that we see what misinformation and false assumptions that are spreading across the nation.  In one week’s time, we’ve heard it all, including:

• Claremont will be solely responsible for educating future rabbis and imams (false)
• Christian ministerial students will be forced to take Jewish and Islamic classes (false)
• Claremont is being bank-rolled by Wahabist Muslim extremists from Saudi Arabia (false)

In response to these and other questions, we have posted a list of common misconceptions and new FAQs about The University Project.  I encourage you to read these short responses and pass them on to others who may be misinformed about our mission, vision and values.

Another Leap Forward for Claremont

First, I must apologize that I've been delinquent from this blog for so long.  As you may know, it has been a difficult spring for me and my family, but we are thankful for all the love and support our friends and colleagues have shown us during this tragic period in our lives. But life moves on.

I write today about an important announcement about The University Project we are making today at a press conference in Claremont.  I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I hope you will watch the video on the CST web site at 11 a.m. (PST), or watch the archived video once it is posted. 

Some times, change seems glacial in its pace.  And at others, it hits like an avalanche.  Today, I am invigorated by the rush of change coming to Claremont, and we're running as fast as we can to keep one step ahead of it all!

Thank you once again to Claremont's friends and supporters.  I think you'll like what you hear from today's announcement!