Integrity Founder Barred at General Seminary Because Gay
Diocesan Press Service. December 29, 1975 [75456]
FORT VALLEY, Ga. -- The Very Rev. Roland Foster, Dean of General Theological Seminary, New York City, has informed INTEGRITY founder Dr. Louis Crew: "Unfortunately I cannot encourage you and your male spouse in your plans to apply to General Seminary for admission. "
Dr. Crew had written to Dean Foster that he would like to consider a post-doctoral period in the seminary with a view to becoming a more informed layperson, with no intention of seeking Orders in the Church.
Dean Foster explained that his response was made in consultation with other members of the General community. He acknowledged that while requests for financial aid and for apartments would be deterrents, "I would be less than honest with you if I did not add a third. I am well aware of and deeply regret the discrimination and prejudice that homosexuals frequently suffer from in this country. However, General Seminary is a seminary of the Episcopal Church. . . .. We are committed to upholding the broad doctrine of the Church as it is generally held. Therefore, I must add as the further reason that I do not think General Seminary is prepared at this time to admit a homosexual couple into regular residence with you as a full-time matriculated student."
Earlier Dr. Crew had pointed out to Dean Foster that as a known Gay he had been a Fulbright grantee and a Fellow for the National Endowment for Humanities (Berkeley, 1974). He has published over 100 items in the four years since earning his doctorate, and had hoped to help earn his keep by part-time teaching. Currently he is Associate Professor of English at Fort Valley State College, a predominately Black institution in Georgia.
Dr. Crew's response was to thank Dean Foster for his unusual candor.
INTEGRITY is the national organization of Gay Episcopalians.