University president signs document regarding faith and politics 

By Antonia Lopez

Sports Editor

As the presidential elections get closer, Trevecca’s leadership has taken steps toward bipartisanship in the midst of divisive political conversations. 

“For about the last decade of my life, the political world has been such that I’ve seen Christians use Christian faith to justify political decisions,” said Dan Boone, university president. “Such that politics becomes elevated over the Lordship of Jesus.” 

For that reason, Boone has signed the Confession for Evangelical Conviction, a document written by members of various Evangelical branches to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ above all powers and politics. Its purpose is to give believers courage in their core conviction as they enter the political arena, said Boone. 

“This [document] is not coming from politics. This is not coming from the right or the left. It’s not coming from Harris supporters or Trump supporters. It’s coming as a statement out of the faith of Christian leaders across America,” said Boone. 

The confession has been signed by many members of different cultural and evangelical backgrounds, with Christian rapper Lecrae being one of the signees. Boone signed the document not only as university president, but also as the Chairman of the Board for the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. 

Trevecca officials have been taking steps to create spaces for students and faculty to have conversations about politics through educational programs like Bridge the Gap, which encourage respectful and civil conversation regarding topics that may be controversial. 

According to Boone, more than 120 other Christian college and university leaders have followed suit in signing the document. 

Erik Gernand, university chaplain, has also signed the confession, and emphasizes the importance of having a confession like that in a community like Trevecca. 

“It’s a bold move,” said Gernand. “Whenever you sign a document like that, you put yourself out in front and the arrows are going to come. It’s one of those leadership moves that the church needs people who we trust who are in positions of leadership, to remind us of our primary allegiance, and that’s to Jesus.”