Belmont University officials have refuted the recent claim by Promise Keepers that the Tennessee university decided to withdraw the men’s organization event from their Fisher Center venue in September over a difference of opinion on biblical marriage.
Promise Keepers recently released a statement reaffirming its support for the traditional understanding of marriage as between one man and one woman, based on biblical teachings. The statement claimed that it conflicted with Belmont University’s stance and led to the cancellation of the event.
Belmont University released a statement detailing its reasons for not holding the event on its campus:
“Belmont informed Promise Keepers leadership that the event could not be held on our campus because a blog the organization posted, “In Light of June Being Designated as ‘Pride Month,’” includes comments that we believe unnecessarily fan the flames of culture wars and are harmful to members of our community. University leaders have had multiple conversations with senior leaders at Promise Keepers, our reasoning was thoroughly and respectfully discussed, and we believed we reached mutual understanding.”
“Belmont and the Fisher Center welcome the opportunity to host and work with a variety of groups that hold disparate opinions, and we encourage the exchange of dialogue. Yet as an ecumenical, Christ-centered institution we are also unequivocal in our belief in the value of each human being, and we are committed to engaging in constructive conversations that demonstrate kindness and seek understanding. We will not knowingly provide a space for any group whose language we believe to lack that same respect.” 
Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
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