One of the nation’s most prominent Christian ministries has decided to take Christ out of its name – a move that has generated cries of political correctness from within the evangelical community.
Campus Crusade for Christ International announced this week that it will change the name of its U.S. Operations to “Cru” in early 2012.
“We felt like our name was getting in the way of accomplishing our mission,” said Steve Sellers, the vice president for Campus Crusade, noting that the ministry will still be committed to “proclaiming Christ around the world.”
Sellers said researchers found that 9 percent of Christians and 20 percent of non-Christians were alienated by the name Campus Crusade for Christ.
The organization was founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright and today has 25,000 staff members serving in 191 countries. Bright died in 2003, but his widow offered support for the name change in a video posted online.
“When Bill Bright started the organization, he told his wife that someday they would have to change the name,” Sellers said. “As early as the late '70s and '80s he was looking at making the name change.”
Sellers said several factors were involved in the name change – including overseas sensitivities.
“Our name was becoming more and more of a hindrance,” he told Fox News Radio. He specifically mentioned the word crusade.
“It’s reverted back to some of its meaning related to the Middle Ages – forcing Christianity on different parts of the world,” he said.
As for removing Christ from their name, the Campus Crusade for Christ website states:
2 comments:
Wait a minute ---- 9% of Christians were "alienated" by the name of Christ?? I'm sure He will be alienated by their "luke warm" devotion later when the chips begin to fall. To even reveal "anonomously" that you are not comfortable with the name of Christ must fell a lot like Judas did after turned Him over to the authorities. "Oh, man, I wished I HADN'T said THAT.".....
All conversation I've heard talked about dropping the "Crusade" part which would make the Cru. part make sence.Have never heard any discussion abour the "Christ" part of the name.
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