ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 6, 1996 TAG: 9604080033
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH
SOURCE: ALISON BOLOGNA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
TIME WAS, CATHOLIC PRACTICES might not have been accepted on the campus of a conservative Christian university. But Friday, the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross was received well by all.
Catholics at Pat Roberston's graduate school often have thought their traditions were overwhelmed by the faith and practices of evangelical Protestants.
On Friday, they had a chance to teach others about their rituals by setting up the Stations of the Cross on the campus lawn at Regent University. For Catholics, the opportunity demonstrated that the school is changing to reflect religious diversity.
``It's been wonderful to witness Christian students come out here and watch us,'' said Keith Fournier, executive director of the American Center of Law and Justice at the university. ``They realize that we love the Lord as much as they do.''
``It's a Catholic tradition but nothing offensive to [other] Christians,'' said The Rev. John Peck, pastor of St.Gregory the Great Catholic Church and a part-time chaplain at the school. ``We're just walking in the footsteps of Jesus.''
About 15 people, including students, faculty and community members, participated in the ceremony in front of the university's library. Students generally agreed that there was little tension.
``People have been watching us out here, but they've also been asking us questions and flipping through our books,'' student Heather Spon said.
Relationships at the school, which is about 15 percent Catholic, have not always been tame.
Terry R. Lindvall, Regent's president, has been one of the champions of opening the school up to a wide range of religious and political opinions. Sometimes, the events raise a tumult.
A 1994 visit by Bishop Walter Sullivan, leader of the Richmond diocese, sparked lively, sometimes angry debate, because of Sullivan's advocacy of civil rights for homosexuals.
Last fall, the Rev. Ian Paisley, an Irish Protestant leader, came to the campus at the invitation of a conservative group. Though the university did not sponsor his talk, Lindvall said he heard that some Catholic students and staff were offended by Paisley's comments about Catholics.
One student also said he knew faculty who were ``vehemently opposed'' to Catholicism and who would announce their feelings in front of their classes.
``Those kinds of views shouldn't be made in public,'' student Bart Tolleson said.
But in general, students and faculty agreed that change and inclusion on the campus is in the works.
``The majority of the administration openly embraces Catholic students,'' Tolleson said. ``In fact, one of our founding faculty members is Catholic, which makes this place different from the so-called Christian university.''
Other students agreed.
``I feel welcome here,'' student Todd Wilkowski said. ``There are all kinds of denominations and differences in theology on any Christian campus. What we need is discussion.''
The Newman Club, a group of Catholic students, is trying to bring speakers to the campus and offer community Masses.
``As a Catholic administrator here, it's encouraging to see students living their faith,'' Fournier said. ``This represents true ecumenism. We have Christ as a common God, but we're honest about differences within our church.''
The Good Friday ceremony, in its second year, was well-received.
``We realize that we have a wonderful history and tradition,' Wilkowski said.
``You can harp on the differences between denominations, but it's better to focus on the similarities,'' student Dave Baldwin said.
Esther Diskin of Landmark News Service contributed to this report.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: HUY NGUYEN/Landmark News Service. Led by Father Johnby CNBPeck (left) and crucifer Jack Manhire, Catholic students at Regent
University in Virginia Beach gather on the lawn Friday to set up the
Stations of the Cross.