Religious Leaders Unite Over Solutions To US College Crisis

The American Council on Education (ACE) launched its new Commission on Faith-based Colleges and Universities in 2024 in order to help make college more affordable for students, as well as fostering collaboration between religious and secular institutions.

“ACE is honored to support and convene this important commission,” ACE President Ted Mitchell said, according to the Christian Post. “Faith-based institutions connect feelings of belief and belonging with intellectual expression and considering the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing us today, we can ill afford for religious universities to be hidden.” (LEARN MORE: Democratic City Alderman Says Open Border Caused Crime Surge)

Mitchell’s sentiments were echoed by the Church Education System of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioner Clark Gilbert, who said, “A faith-based mission on campus can unite people with diverse backgrounds and drive accessibility in education. This is happening all across America, where young adults are looking for somewhere that will value and recognize their faith. And they don’t often feel that in other institutions.” This was followed by support from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities President Shirley Hoogstra, who joins Gilbert as the commission’s co-chair.

Who Are The Other Members?

Members of the Executive Committee are Robin Baker of George Fox University, Ari Berman of Yeshiva University, Rochelle Ford of Dillard University, Jim Gash of Pepperdine University, John Jenkins of the University of Notre Dame, Peter Kilpatrick of the Catholic University of America, D. Michael Lindsay of Taylor University, Candice McQueen of Lipscomb University, Leslie Pollard of Oakwood University, C. Shane Reese of Brigham Young University, Philip Ryken of Wheaton College, Beck Taylor of Samford University and Dwaun Warmack of Claflin University, the Christian Post listed. (RELATED: Superstar Actor Speaks Of ‘Spiritual Awakening’)

“If we get together, it’s a way to be better,” Hoogstra told the outlet. “We’re finding so many common areas of interest that are so important to religiously affiliated schools in today’s otherwise very secular higher education environment.”

Hoogstra hopes the commission will bring about “conversations that have a common interest that … we think educates the broader higher education landscape on the ways that we are doing affordability, accessibility and accountability within the education sector,” while Gilbert noted that all religious schools “want to help each other preserve a religious mission.” (LEARN MORE: Interview Suggests New Evidence On Voter Machine Issues In 2020)

America Can Do The Same

Our nation is at a crossroads, dealing with pivotal issues that directly impact your daily lives – from ensuring religious freedom, fair and secure elections to fighting against inflation and advocating for secure borders. The strength of our community, the rights of our parents, and the protection of girls’ sports are not just political issues; they are the fabric of our society. It’s time to take a stand against crime, reform our institutions, and ensure the prosperity and security of our nation.

You have conversations with your loved ones, communities, and other networks every day about the things that matter most to you. You can now have those conversations with your lawmakers, so they know how to act on your behalf.

Did you know that you, your family, and friends can send letters directly to your elected officials today? We can tell your leaders what you want from their time in office, and what you expect from our federal government. Letter-writing campaigns, or even just a single letter, can be enough to sway policy and create positive change.

Sign up for millionvoices.org today (text MV to 80550) and share this article with your friends and family so they can stay informed and become citizen lobbyists in the pursuit of faith and freedom across our great nation.