"There’s no room for me and my church family at Samford’s table."

Dear President Taylor,

I am writing to you to express my disappointment in The Guidelines for Guest Ministry Organizations which led to the annual Ministry Fair’s becoming a by invitation only event excluding churches and ministries which are welcoming and affirming.

Since we’ve never met, here’s some of my Samford story: I earned a BA in Religious Education (‘86) and MDiv from Beeson (‘91). I was Timothy’s George’s first administrative assistant. I was with him from day one in a small office in Samford Hall. While an undergrad, I was on the Campus Ministries Executive Council. In my last semesters at Beeson, I was hired by Paul Basden as interim Director of Campus Ministries for three semesters. While in that position, I was responsible for the event that is the subject of folks’ present concern. I am a lifelong Baptist who has experienced an evolving faith. I grew up at FBC Selma. Through the years, I have belonged to the following area churches: Dawson, Brookwood, Shades Crest and now Baptist Church of the Covenant. I am a hospital chaplain for Ascension St. Vincent’s East.

Having such a policy as The Guidelines for Guest Ministry Organizations is understandable. But it’s too narrow, so controlling. Why should this policy be a requirement for participating in a single event like the Ministry Fair? For years, any church could reserve a table. It was a simple opportunity for churches to introduce themselves to students. I am both sad and angry. The school which provided me with some of my happiest years seems to think I have no legitimate faith and am not worthy to offer Christian care to its current students. There’s no room for me and my church family at Samford’s table.

Samford could be a welcoming place where all manner of persons of faith can engage students for the purpose of “sharing, teaching, and modeling the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Ideally the Ministry Fair would welcome Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus so that any student could have the opportunity to interact with a variety of faith traditions. The college years are crucial for personal spiritual growth. Students need to be offered a big table of opportunities for education not indoctrination.

Jan Richardson’s And The Table Will Be Wide keeps coming to mind:

And the table

will be wide.

And the welcome

will be wide.

And the arms

will open wide

to gather us in.

And our hearts

will open wide

to receive.

And we will come

as children who trust

there is enough.

And we will come

unhindered and free.

And our aching

will be met

with bread.

And our sorrow

will be met

with wine.

And we will open our hands

to the feast

without shame.

And we will turn

toward each other

without fear.

And we will give up

our appetite

for despair.

And we will taste

and know

of delight.

And we will become bread

for a hungering world.

And we will become drink

for those who thirst.

And the blessed

will become the blessing.

And everywhere

will be the feast.

Dr. Taylor, please know I pray Wisdom leads and guides you through this particular situation. I am happy to participate in any discussions which may be organized around this issue.

Grace and peace,

Ann Carol McGaha Mann