Campus Ministry - Anti-proselytizing Policy FOR MERCYHURST COLLEGE

DATE: DECEMBER 2000

1. Rationale
2. The Mission of Mercyhurst College
3. Religious Freedom at a Religiously based College
4. Evangelization Efforts by Campus Groups
5. Recommendations

I. Rationale

In recent months, Mercyhurst College has been approached by several highly aggressive evangelical organizations desirous of bringing their particular ministries to the campus and engaging students and employees alike. With an estimated student population that is made up of approximately 33% of people of other Christian denominations and religions, it behooves the college to address this issue for the safety of its own future identity.
Our desire is to serve the religious needs of all our students. But, religiously, our campus is not neutral, open, public space, i.e., open hunting grounds in the same way as a public institution of higher learning might be perceived. With this understanding, we feel that it is in the best interest of the college to provide guidelines for religious groups seeking formal recognition on this campus.

II. The Mission of Mercyhurst College

Mercyhurst College, a Catholic institution in the liberal arts tradition, is a community of learning dedicated to the lifelong development of the whole person. It strives for academic distinction in each of its programs. Inspired by the vision of the Sisters of Mercy, the College holds in highest esteem the qualities of excellence, compassion, creativity and service to others. The College integrates its strong foundation in the arts and sciences with focused programs in career preparation, challenging students to think critically, to comprehend the richness of our global community, and to work for positive change. At Mercyhurst, students gather the knowledge, insights, skills and vision necessary to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Guided by its Catholic heritage, Mercyhurst promotes the values of truth, individual integrity, human dignity, mercy and justice.

III. Religious Freedom at a Religiously Based Institution

Mercyhurst College celebrates the heritage of religious freedom as proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council and the counsel of our forebears in this country. However, established as a private, religiously based institution of higher learning, it must be understood that Mercyhurst has the right to constrain those things that are contrary to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and the mission of Mercyhurst College. Mercyhurst College, as a private institution, is not required to provide a forum for advocates whose values are counter to those of the college or the Roman Catholic Church. The college recognizes a distinction between objective explanation and advocacy in the presentation of ideas.

IV. Evangelization Efforts by Campus Groups

No individual or organization, either internal or external to the college, may sponsor activities on campus that have the express purpose of making converts of members of the university community to join a particular faith, church or religious affiliation. The College reserves the right to limit or restrict the on-campus activities of any organization or individual whose purposes are contrary to the university’s stated religious values or purposes. This policy should not be used to discourage open dialogue between community members about their religious beliefs and values, the free association of community members of the same faith, or appropriate teaching and educational efforts about religious beliefs and organizations.

V. Recommendations

1. Mercyhurst College Campus Ministry will be the administrative monitor for religious activity on campus and with Mercyhurst Student Government, and the Office of Student Development, shall determine which religiously based groups receive college recognition.
2. Any group that is formed must be initiated, developed and led by registered students of Mercyhurst College.
3. Mercyhurst College reserves the right to withdraw college recognition to those groups that do not adhere to this policy or the other policies of the college.