Why there should be a conflict between being both university and church in a church-related school is not explained. The motto of the university, one notes, is Eruditio et Religio. Hence, it is also a decision that can be respected even by those who themselves, or whose traditions, do not think same-sex unions ought to be blessed. Prof. Stanley Hauerwas, also of Duke, has written much about the brutal tolerance of liberalism, of which this is a classic instance. An institution claiming to be Christian and affiliated with a Christian denomination is confronted by liberalism s charge that to act upon such a claim is discriminatory, and the institution folds.
Tolerance is trumps.
Of course, one might respond that Duke University has long since given up any serious claim to being Christian. There is no doubt that the founders intended a Christian institution. One might also respond that Duke Chapel, too, has long since given up any claim to being seriously Christian, in which case one might fairly ask whether the Rev. Willimon does not have a lot to answer for. Historic in this context would seem to mean that it is a thing of the past, and symbols are, well,just symbols. It is urged that for years the Chapel has offered hospitality to doubtfully Christian groups and activities.