Statements of University positions on Marriage, Singleness and Family in the USMB
Confession of Faith in relation to laws governing same-sex marriage. *
General Policy Statement
Fresno Pacific University welcomes all eligible students who desire an education in a
multidenominational Christian setting regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or religion.
As a religious university founded and owned by the Mennonite Brethren Church, the university
is officially guided by the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Church's Confession of Faith which endorses
a traditional understanding of marriage and of chastity outside of marriage. All university
employees and students commit themselves to respect the Confession of Faith, and abide by the
policies and behavioral expectations of the university.
The university recognizes that other Christian institutions and denominations have, in good faith,
revised their expectations regarding marriage to endorse same-sex relationships, and that it is
possible for Christian bodies to disagree on this issue. The university desires to remain in
relationship with these other Christian bodies wherever and to whatever extent possible.
Relationships with Partner Institutions
The educational community at Fresno Pacific University is committed to the success and well-
being of all those it serves regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or religion. The
university invites students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join the FPU
community and prepares them to understand, teach, and support all diverse populations. All
university programs meet all applicable state and federal requirements for serving all
populations.
The university desires to partner with educational and social services agencies, health care and
other organizations committed to the success and well-being of all whom we serve. Additionally,
the university enjoys short- and long-term relationships with a wide-range of community
members and organizations. These partnerships are organized around a variety of goals and
initiatives and work to advance the welfare of all individuals and groups.
Students
Fresno Pacific seeks to be a place where FPU students feel safe to pursue higher education. In
support of this endeavor, the institution has designated a Safe Space Person to whom students
can speak, confidentially, to seek support and understanding regarding various matters pertaining
to sexuality. All Fresno Pacific students, upon admission, agree to abide to by university
behavioral expectations applicable to their degree program.
Faculty/Academic Freedom
All professors and instructors are expected to teach, write and make public comments in such
ways that clearly demonstrate an attitude of respect toward the university’s Confession of Faith.
Faculty have freedom to discuss controversial matters, including expressions of personal
viewpoints on matters related to sexual orientation, gender identity and same-sex marriage,
including views which may vary from the university’s Confession of Faith, as these discussions
relate to subject matter appropriate to their courses and other professional assignments with the
university. All conversations shall demonstrate mutual respect and graciousness toward others
who may or may not share the same views of the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith.
When making public statements on controversial matters, all professors should be clear they are
not speaking on behalf of their School or for the University.
*Statements are in response to a Board resolution in October 2015.
FPU Board of Trustees Resolution
MB Confession of Faith on Marriage, Singleness & Family
October 23, 2015
The Board of Trustees of Fresno Pacific University affirms its commitment to the MB
Confession of Faith statement on Marriage, Singleness and Family.
The Board instructs the university administration to draft a concise policy statement that (a)
warmly embraces the desire and commitment of the university to educate and serve diverse
students who are supportive of the FPU mission, including LGBT students, and that (b)
recognizes the MB Confession of Faith statement as the behavioral standard for all employees of
the university.
The Board further directs the administration to involve appropriate members of the university
community who may be helpful in producing a wise policy statement that is clear but reflects
gracious Christianity, to review the statement with legal counsel, and to present it to the
Executive Committee of the Board for review prior to the next Board meeting. The Executive
Committee shall forward their approved version to the Board for discussion at its next full
meeting.
February 26, 2016: Board of Trustees, approved pending legal review and Board Exec final approval
March 2016: Legal review, approved
March 28, 2016: Distributed with permission of Board Chair
April 5, 2016: Reviewed in sessions with faculty, minor revisions suggested
May 10, 2016 Approved to submit to Board Executive with suggested revisions
May 31, 2016 Approved by Board Executive