Clarification from President Bailey on May 24, 2007 USA Today Story

May 24, 2007

An Important Clarification Announcement by
Dr. Mark Bailey, Ph.D., President, Dallas Theological Seminary,
Re: May 24, 2007 “USA Today” Story

A May 24, 2007 article in "USA Today," "Faith's language barrier?" about spiritual gifts and the practice of speaking in tongues contained an incorrect statement in reference to Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). We have already contacted the paper seeking clarification and wanted to similarly reiterate DTS's long-standing position and policy in this matter to our campus community, donors and constituents.

The erroneous statement from the story reads:

“Will Hall, spokesman for the SBC, says the denomination has no official policy on speaking in tongues for its churches or individual members. But there are other signs the practice is gaining acceptance. Dallas Theological Seminary and Campus Crusade for Christ, two strongholds of independent Christianity, have done away with restrictions on tongue-speaking for students and staff.” (USA Today, 9D).

The above text is incorrect and constitutes a misrepresentation of Dallas Theological Seminary for three reasons. First, there has been no change of view in regard to the practice of tongue-speaking for students and staff at Dallas Seminary.

Second, there has been no change of policy for the faculty who affirm annually their full agreement with a doctrinal position on this subject that is published in the seminary catalog and available on the seminary’s website at www.dts.edu/about/doctrinalstatement/.

Thirdly, over 70 denominations are represented in our student body of 2036 students. Some of these students obviously come from backgrounds with a viewpoint on tongues-speaking different from the seminary. They are admitted because they are in general agreement with our doctrinal statement and attend with the assurance they will not propagate contrarian doctrines within the seminary community.

While we are a non-charismatic institution, we do not seek to be antagonistically anti-charismatic. Though we differ from other Christian brothers and sisters on this theological issue, we seek to do so with respect and grace.