HBU study committee begins work

September 11, 2000

HBU study committee begins work
___By Dan Martin
___Texas Baptist Communications
___The special committee appointed to study the relationship between Houston Baptist University and the Baptist General Convention of Texas met Sept. 6 in Dallas to begin the process of resolving the dispute between the state convention and the university.
___Appointment of the committee was approved by the BGCT Executive Board May 23 after HBU trustees on May 17 took unilateral action to create a self-perpetuating board of trustees.
___Convention officials said university trustees violated the BGCT constitution and bylaws by acting unilaterally and not seeking convention approval before making changes to HBU's constitution and bylaws.
___University president E.D. Hodo said the action was taken to preserve "institutional autonomy." HBU officials reportedly were unhappy that the BGCT requires institutional trustees be members of churches which financially support the BGCT.
___The 10-member committee was appointed by BGCT President Clyde Glazener of Fort Worth, Executive Board Chairman Rudy Sanchez of Dallas and Christian Education Coordinating Board Chairman Nick Vallado of Los Fresnos.
___"During the first meeting, the committee primarily reviewed the actions of HBU," said Keith Bruce, director of the Christian Education Coordinating Board. "Another meeting will be held later in September, which hopefully will include representatives of the university."
___Bruce said he anticipates an interim report will be presented to the Executive Board at its Sept. 26 meeting and to BGCT messengers Oct. 30-31 in Corpus Christi. A final report will be made in 2001, he added.
___John Uxer of El Paso is chairman of the study committee. Others members are Stephen Adell of Houston; Michael Bell of Fort Worth; Jo Darden of Fort Worth; Pete Freeman of The Woodlands; Norman Fry of Friendswood; Bob Newell of Houston; Harold Richardson of Tyler; Lisa Robertson of Denton; and Noah Rodriguez of San Antonio.

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