May 29, 2000
TOGETHER:
Convention, university will work to resolve problem
___I was deeply disappointed when I learned the trustees of Houston Baptist University voted unilaterally, without any consultation with officers of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, to change the institution's charter. The new charter enables the trustees to name 75 percent of the board, leaving 25 percent to be elected by the convention. Previously, the BGCT has elected all the trustees for HBU.
___I have visited with Dr. Doug Hodo, president of HBU, and we have agreed to work hard to find the best solution to this problem. In response to a motion offered by the Christian Education Coordinating Board of our convention, the BGCT Executive Board voted to form a committee to begin immediately to work with the trustees of HBU to develop the most appropriate recommendations possible.
Charles Wade
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___In the meanwhile, the CECB voted unanimously to place in escrow the funds that we would have been distributing to HBU until the matter can be studied and the problem resolved. We will continue to provide directly to HBU students the ministerial tuition grant that our convention provides to all ministerial students in our Baptist schools, and we will continue to make available a loan program that helps teachers who are working on their doctoral degrees. But effective immediately, no other dollars will be sent to HBU.
___These procedures follow established precedents.
___The manner in which the Executive Board heard the report, discussed it openly and moved forward decisively was good to see. I believe we can work out a better plan than the one that has been given us by HBU.
___It is important to all Texas Baptists that we work to help our institutions be strong and healthy. It also is important to Texas Baptists that we find a better way to resolve problems than by secretive, unilateral actions.
___There was some suggestion that the trustees' decision to change the HBU charter was to protect ethnic minority representation on their board of trustees. It must clearly be said that at no time has the BGCT suggested we would limit ethnic representation on our boards. On the contrary, the committee on nominations for institution boards has faithfully worked to see that the diversity and ethnicity of our Texas Baptist life is represented in the trustee selection process. This committee is committed to finding the best trustees possible for the institutions. They work carefully with the CEOs to find the very best trustees available. They also are looking for men and women who are members of churches that support the ministry, mission and budget of the BGCT.
___I am committed to helping this process continue to work. We will do all we can to help improve the process, but the convention has the right to be involved before decisions like this are made.
___Houston Baptist University is an important part of the Texas Baptist family. It is important to me and to all Texas Baptists. If at all possible, we are going to work this out in such a way that the kingdom of God will be advanced and the BGCT and HBU can continue to work together for the glory of God. Pray for all of us who are involved in finding the best way for us to go forward.
___Don't forget, even when you have been disappointed ...
___We are loved.
__
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