“William and Mary belongs to all Virginians, to the nation, and to the world.”
From a resolution unanimously adopted by the W&M Board of Visitors on Nov. 17, 2006
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Assistant Historical Director's Email Announcing the Decision
October 2006 -- An Assistant Director of William & Mary’s historic campus sent an email to Wren Building volunteer student tour guides noting that the cross had been removed:
That email read:
Dear Spotswoods,
In order to make the Wren Chapel less of a faith-specific space, and to make it more welcoming to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of all faiths, the cross has been removed from the altar area.
Students and groups wishing to have the cross temporarily returned to the space--for special events, worship services, private prayer, etc.--may request it while they are in the room. Please direct all requests to either Louise or me, and we will be happy to return the
cross for the time allotted.
If you encounter questions, concerns, or resistance to this change, please direct the person/group with the inquiry to us. If we are not in our office, a stack of our business cards are in the InformationCenter. Offer a card and inform the person they are welcome to contact us with their concerns.
Please continue to interpret the room as the Wren Chapel. Is has always been the Chapel and will continue to be the Chapel even without the cross on the altar. Inform visitors (as you always do) that the College was once affiliated with the Anglican Church, and while it is now a public university, the Wren Chapel continues to be used as a nondenominational chapel. Weddings, memorial services, and student-led prayer services are held here, as well as initiations and their student activities. For those interested in hearing the antique organ, an organ recital is scheduled for every Saturday morning at 10:00 am.
Thank you, and my best to you all for a warm, safe, and happy homecoming