Newly Established Center for Religious Freedom Receives $1 Million Gift

In response to the alarming increase in global religious persecution, Garlyn and La Juan Shelton donated $1 million to establish the Center for Global Religious Freedom (CGRF) on the DBU campus. The Sheltons are gracious friends of the University, and we are deeply grateful for their faithful support and for their inspiring vision to protect religious freedom throughout the world. Director Dr. Randel Everett recently answered questions about the new CGRF and its role in defending religious freedom.

Why is Global Religious Freedom so important today?

Two of every three people in the world face religious persecution. Christians are regularly targeted, but others also suffer, including Muslims, Hindus, Baha'is, Yazidis, even atheists, because of their beliefs. Persecution may involve discrimination, harassment, violence, abductions, destruction of property, including homes and places of worship, imprisonment, and even death. Jesus reminds us in the Great Commandment to love God with all of our heart and to love others as we love ourselves. DBU is perfectly situated to be a leading voice for this foundational freedom because of the University's dedication to Christ, its commitment to Baptist practices, and a worldview that includes a robust international community. The administration and faculty have deep commitments to religious freedom and compassion for the persecuted. I hope we can build on this strong foundation by offering classes, conferences, advocacy opportunities, and partnerships with other universities, churches, and advocacy groups standing with the persecuted and promoting global religious freedom.

Why did the Sheltons want to help establish the CRF at DBU?

They have a love for Christ, the church, our nation, and a burden for suffering people around the world. When Garlyn heard me tell stories of religious persecution, he asked what they could do in response. I shared my vision of starting a Center for Global Religious Freedom at DBU, and they wanted to do their part by contributing a generous foundational gift.

Why are you passionate about global religious freedom?

One Sunday as a seminary student, I was moved to tears while singing the third stanza of "I Love to Tell the Story," especially the phrase: "...for some have never heard, the message of salvation from God's own holy Word." Many around the world have never heard the Gospel because Bibles and churches are banned. Those who do proclaim the Gospel face recrimination and possibly even death. When beliefs are protected and the Gospel is preached within a context of love for all people, many will believe. We must continue to support religious freedom at home and fight for religious freedom for others. When we learn the stories of those being persecuted, our love for Christ compels us to stand with them.