Christian university rejects homosexuality

Shorter University in Rome, Ga., is requiring its staff of more than 200 to sign a statement rejecting homosexuality. Don Dowless, president of the Christian university, said staff members who do not sign the "Personal Lifestyle Statement," which also requires staff members to reject premarital sex and adultery, may lose their jobs, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. "I think that anybody who adheres to a lifestyle that is outside of what the biblical mandate is and of what the board has passed, including the president, would not be allowed to continue here," Dowless said. By signing the statement, employees are agreeing to reject "all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible, including, but no limited to premarital sex, adultery and homosexuality," the statement says. "Anything outside that is not biblical, we do not accept," Dowless said. "We have a right to hire only Christians." Students, however, are not being asked to sign the policy. One student, who asked to not be identified, said the university is judging others, which is contrary to what the Bible teaches. The Personal Lifestyle Statement was one of several policies approved by the university's board Oct. 21 and presented to the campus Oct. 26. The other policies include "Policy for Christian Education," "Biblical Principles on the Integration of Faith and Learning" and a "Statement of Faith."