Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Court Rules in Favor of University: Lawsuit is over
Court Rules in Favor of University: Lawsuit is over
March 11, 2004
The Missouri Baptist Convention was found to have no standing to file suit against the University, ruled Judge Thomas Brown on March 11, 2004.
This ruling, after two years of legal motions and hearings, ends the dispute between the Convention and Missouri Baptist University over the University’s ability to appoint trustees in a self-perpetuating manner.
“A shadow has finally been lifted from the University. We have held true to our mission and focus during this time, and we can now devote our entire attention to the education of our students,” said University president Dr. R. Alton Lacey.
Missouri Baptist University serves over 3,700 students at four locations in Missouri. Respected for academic programs incorporating faith and learning, the University continues to be recognized for its fine arts, education and business programs.
In January of 2002, the Missouri Baptist Convention – through the means of six churches and the Convention’s executive board – filed suit against five Missouri organizations, the Missouri Baptist University, The Baptist Home, the Missouri Baptist Foundation, Word & Way newspaper, and Windermere Conference Center.
The controversial suit has cost the Convention well over a million dollars in attorney and court fees during a period of dramatic budget shortfalls and declining church participation. Many are pleased that the legal conflict has ended, putting to rest the expenses that would have otherwise gone to support ministries and mission efforts.
During the same period, the University has experienced record growth in enrollment, number of donors, and a budget that has increased by twenty-five percent.
“The University continues to seek a covenant relationship with the Convention that we have had since 1976. Now that the suit is over, it would be my hope that we can look beyond today and renew the healthy, cooperative relationship we have had for decades,” said Bill Houk, University board chairman, after hearing of the court’s decision.
Dr. Lacey noted, “We continue to pursue our mission with the dedication and support of our trustees, administrators, faculty and staff. We continue to serve more and more students each year and not to discriminate against students on the basis of their church’s affiliation. We have remained true to our calling and will remain steadfast in our Christian devotion as we educate tomorrow’s leaders.”
The University presented arguments in court February 26, 2004. No decision was rendered that day, but Judge Brown encouraged the defendants to amend the University’s initial proposal to now include all five organizations to bring a quick and efficient end to this suit.
Cole County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Brown ruled last November that the Convention was not, nor ever has been, a member of Missouri Baptist University. Today’s decision on standing was a logical next step to end the legal embroilment and exonerate the University. Without standing to file a suit against the five defendants, the Convention’s lawsuit is over.
In 2002, Missouri Baptist Convention withheld over $1 million in earmarked funds for the University.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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