For many years, the ACU community has facilitated constructive and open conversations regarding what it means to be good stewards of God’s gifts, including sexuality. Over the past week, there have been online discussions regarding same-sex relationships and the university’s posture toward people who identify as LGBTQ.

As a Board of Trustees, we have invested significant time in prayer, research and discussion on sexual stewardship over the past several years and previously provided the following guidance for our administration, and continue to support it strongly as we move forward.

We affirm the dignity and worth of every person as created in God’s image. ACU affirms the full humanity and dignity of all human beings, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize there are individuals who identify as LGBTQ or who experience same-sex attraction within our community. We strive to love and welcome all individuals.

We believe Scripture teaches that God intends for sexual relations to be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. We recognize this belief may conflict with the practice or vision of the larger culture. Yet we hold to the historic Christian perspective on this issue while being respectful of those who disagree with us.

We call for civility and respect. As a university, we encourage the vigorous pursuit of truth. As a Christian university, we believe the Bible is true and reliable. We recognize that Christians inside and outside the ACU community have different interpretations of Scripture on same-sex relationships. Regardless of one’s perspective, we encourage all of our community members to engage this issue with Christian care and compassion. We condemn language and behaviors that communicate disrespect toward any member of the ACU community.

For further context, we encourage you to read “For Such a Time as This: Identity, Mission and the Future of Abilene Christian University.” This report, released in 2012, continues to guide our decisions as an institution, including the following:

ACU prizes Christian unity as a high value articulating the Christian commitments that emerge from its heritage, yet welcoming the diversity inherent in that unity, respecting others who hold differing opinions, extending and receiving hospitality, and engaging all people with grace and humility.

Thank you for your grace and understanding as we seek to follow God’s will. May God continue to unify us as we follow Him.

– ACU Board of Trustees