twu email.pdf

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Subject: Fwd: TWU.

From: Adam Goldenberg <[email protected]>

Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2014 18:47:03 -0500

To: My Gmail <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From:

Date: 4 February 2014 18:35

Subject: TWU

To: Adam Goldenberg <[email protected]>

FEBRUARY 2014

Dear __________,

After receiving the good news in December that the Federation of Law Societies and the BC

Ministry of Advanced Education had approved TWU's application for a School of Law, we are

now facing a significant increase in public opposition. We had anticipated that a decision by the

Federation would be accepted by the very law societies that make up that Federation, but thishas not proven to be the case. As you may have heard through the media over the past several

weeks, there has been a tremendous lobbying campaign, particularly through law schools,

directed towards each of the provincial law societies to encourage them to reject the TWU School

of Law proposal. Some law societies, having delegated authority for approvals to the Federation,

are now considering taking back that authority.

I am reaching out to you today because we cannot face the challenge ahead without the

support of our alumni.

Those standing in opposition to Trinity Western are questioning the value of a TWU



education. They are questioning the character of TWU alumni. As graduates of Trinity Western,

we know both the value of the education and the character of its students and alumni. As a

community of alumni, we represent a broad spectrum of faith expressions and beliefs. It is my

experience that those of us who consider our time at TWU transformative are working to live

thoughtful, loving, grace-filled lives, first modelled for us in the person of Jesus and practiced in

community with the faculty, staff, alumni and students at TWU.

The issue in front of us is not whether TWU should open a School of Law. That question hasalready been answered by the leadership of TWU, who recognize the mission alignment and the

business opportunity. The Federation of Law Societies and the BC Ministry of Advance Education

also recognized the value of a TWU School of Law when both bodies approved our application in

December.

No, opponents of TWU have made clear the issue. Those who stand in opposition to TWU find

the covenant itself untenable. In response to an accusation of discrimination recently levied by a

Dalhousie Law professor, President Kuhn asserted that it is TWU students and graduates who

are facing discrimination, based on our religion. “Is religious freedom going to be given any

importance in this country,” he asked, “or is it simply going to be relegated to some separate

minority right?”

Below is a video message from President Bob Kuhn. I urge you to take three minutes to hear

him address you and outline the challenge ahead.

There are a number of actions the University is requesting from alumni at this time. First, there

are segments of our alumni community who may find themselves at the centre of thischallenge. If you are an alum who is a lawyer or a pastor/lay leader, it would be helpful if you

could identify yourself to us to ensure we have updated contact info. We are interested in starting

a dialogue with you pertaining to the specific issues you may face. Please contact us with

information regarding your profession and any immediate questions you have.

If you are an alum who identifies with the LGBT community, I would appreciate the opportunity to

listen to your story and to hear your perspective on this issue. There are people who are claiming

to represent your experience and it is important at this time that we, your University, listen to what

you have to say. If you are an LGBT alum willing to lend your voice to this important discussion,

please email me directly [email protected].



Second, you will receive notice in the upcoming weeks about Alumni Town Halls, featuring

President Bob Kuhn. Bob will share updates and answer questions on this and other decisions

being made that impact the life of the University. We are hosting Alumni Town Halls this month in

Calgary, with March dates in Vancouver, Surrey/Langley and Abbotsford. Other dates and

locations may be added later this spring.

Most importantly, I ask that you pray. Students, staff and faculty have begun a 24/7prayer group. I am asking alumni to pray as we address these very difficult and complex issues with

grace and truth. Last fall, Bob spoke in chapel on I Corinthians 16:13-14. Paul says, “Be on your

guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Thank you for your continued support.

Scott D. CampbellVice President, Alumni & Executive Director, TWU Alumni Association

_______________________________________________________

"Students attending TWU are free to adopt personal rules of conduct based on their religious

beliefs provided they do not interfere with the rights of others. Their freedom of religion is not

accommodated if the consequence of its exercise is the denial of the right of full participation in

society." (Trinity Western v. British Columbia College of Teachers, Supreme Court of Canada

decision 2001).

This email is sent to you by

in partnership with

[email protected]

1.800.463.5419

You are receiving this email because you are a

TWU Alumni and we invite you to stay connected.

If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.

We will be sad, but understanding.

twu email.pdf

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