Aug. 13, 2014
For Immediate Release
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Representatives from Campbellsville University met with Kentucky Baptist Convention leaders on Wednesday to report that the CU Board of Trustees voted to remove itself from its Covenant Agreement with the KBC and enter into discussions regarding a partnership agreement that will allow the university and Kentucky Baptists to work together on shared ministry and mission ventures in the future. Since Campbellsville is opting out the stated four-year term of dissolution contained within the agreement, the university is voluntarily surrendering its Cooperative Program allocation effective immediately. The Board of Trustees of Campbellsville University made their decision on Tuesday.
“We have enjoyed our association with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and remain grateful for the KBC's support to our school and its students. The time has come for us to reaffirm Campbellsville University's historic nature as a Christ-centered institution of higher learning with a strong Baptist affiliation and identity,” said Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
While KBC leaders express regret over the university's desire to step away from the Covenant Agreement, they also respect the right of the university to do so and recognize the fundraising and governance challenges that have led to the decision.
KBC Executive Director-Treasurer Paul Chitwood stated, “Campbellsville has a tremendous heritage and a unique role in Christian education in south-central Kentucky and beyond. CU President Dr. Michael Carter pledges to maintain the university's commitment to a Christian worldview and to preparing students to serve Christ's Kingdom. I rejoice in that commitment and pray much success for the university.”
“Our actions yesterday will allow us to select our own trustees,” Owens said, “but these decisions in no way change the mission or the character of Campbellsville University. We look forward to discussing the new proposed agreement that will continue CU working with the KBC and its churches in areas of joint mission and ministry in the spirit of the Great Commandment and in following the command of the Great Commission.”
KBC and CU leadership plan to meet again September 18 to further discuss the terms of a proposed partnership agreement.