Statement from President Adam W. Greenway in response to Biden Administration vaccine mandate plans

“Our goal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to do everything within our power to keep our students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible. I believe that vaccination is a proven means to help achieve that goal, which is why I have been vaccinated and I have publicly and repeatedly encouraged members of the Southwestern Seminary community to be vaccinated. 

“Still, I respect the decisions of those who for medical reasons or conscientious objections have declined to be vaccinated. A government-mandated vaccination program of private businesses and institutions is deeply troubling. Regrettably, the president’s actions will bring further division and polarization to a nation that is already profoundly divided. 

“We mourn the loss of life that has been wrought by this pandemic. My prayer throughout this pandemic is that God would protect every person on Seminary Hill and that He would use His people especially during this time to provide temporal care to those suffering while faithfully offering the Gospel message that alone offers eternal life.”

Adam W. Greenway, President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College