Criticisms of Student Group Unfair

In response to Frank A. Pasquale '96 letter (Group's Criticism of Epps is Unfair," Opinion, Dec. 9, 1994), I would like to address his concerns about the student group I am seeking official recognition for. Although I agree with his objection that a student group associated with the Boston Church of Christ may merit special attention by the administration, the case I have put forth is one of bias on the basis of one fact: I have been seeking recognition for two-and-a-half years, and the Dean of Students' Office has not made a decision on whether or not Christians In Action should receive official recognition from Harvard.

I do not argue the fact that my church should go through United Ministries to seek recognition as a religious organization on campus, but this matter does not concern men, nor am I in any position to make such a request. Dean Jewett has indeed reassured me that Dean Epps's referral of the student group to a special College Life meeting is protocol, if special concerns do exist regarding a student organization. I do not contest this. However, if such a meeting is called, it should be a hearing on a student organization seeking recognition, not on the Boston Church of Christ, unless it is looking for a way to unilaterally "discuss" the church.

I believe that personal religious bias is involved in ignoring my Bible Study request, submitted two-and-a-half years ago. When I talked with the Dean of Students about starting a bible study composed of two other members of my church and seven otherwise affiliated undergraduates, and the Dean of Students addresses me as "you Boston Church of Christ people." I believe religious bias is involved.

In regards to the Boston Church of Christ, I must defend a body that is unilaterally defamed here at Harvard. I do not believe Pasquale's friend was "taken in" by the church any more than he or she was taken in by Harvard. In the end, every person with whom I or someone else from my church studies the Bible with has to search the scriptures on his or her own and develop personal convictions. Only then is someone prepared to evaluate the evidence and decide to become a member of my church's fellowship. I know this because this is exactly what I did my first year at Harvard.

But if concerns or fears arise. I call on both my poem and the administration to separate the issues and together let us address them. I want to set the record straight, and will always answer questions about Christians in Action, my church the Bible, and my faith. All you have to do is ask. Michael J. Henick '96