Some Regent students, alumni don't want Romney as speaker
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --Some Regent University students and alumni are upset that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney will speak at commencement, saying his Mormon faith clashes with the evangelical Christianity of the school founded by Pat Robertson.
"What we're against is the fact that Mormonism is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Christian values and what we believe," said Doug Dowdey, a Virginia Beach pastor who said he graduated from Regent's divinity school last year.
"If Pat wants to hold a political rally, well, hold one. Why not? Just don't hold it at commencement," Dowdey said.
Students have posted numerous e-mails on both sides of the debate on Regent's internal electronic bulletin board since Romney's selection as speaker was announced in mid-February.
Mormons belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which espouses some scripture, such as the Book of Mormon, and theology that departs from mainstream Christianity.
The Christian Broadcasting Network, which Robertson heads, discusses Mormonism on its Web site on a page titled, "How Do I Recognize a Cult?"
"When it comes to spiritual matters, the Mormons are far from the truth," states the site, which adds that Mormon religious beliefs are "to put it simply, wrong."
The site also says the Mormon church has produced "many people of exemplary character."
Robertson, who is Regent's chancellor, invited Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, to be the keynote speaker at the May 5 commencement, said Sherri Stocks, a Regent vice president.
Another Republican presidential candidate, ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will speak at Regent's executive leadership program in April. Giuliani is Catholic.
"Gov. Romney is running for the post of Chief Executive Officer, not Chief Theologian," Robertson said in a memo to Regent alumni, staff and students.
Having such "people of note" speak yields publicity for Regent and gives students a chance "to hear firsthand thinking from prominent individuals," Robertson wrote.
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On the Net:
Regent University: http://www.regent.edu
Christian Broadcasting Network: http://www.cbn.com
