To "The Optimist"

W. Carl Ketcherside

[Page 78]

     In the latter part of last year, certain students at Abilene Christian College, urged me to write to the editor of the student newspaper, "The Optimist," in the hope that dialogue sessions could be arranged on the campus which would make it possible for them to hear both sides of the current ferment on the theme of fellowship. Accordingly, on December 22, 1966, I addressed the following letter to the editor:

     "As a brother in Christ and a fellow-editor, I appeal to you in the interest of fairness and the free exchange of thought. Since 1957 I have been writing on the subject of fellowship and unity within the disciple brotherhood growing out of the restoration movement of which we are the heirs.

     I have contended that we should make nothing a test of fellowship which God has not made a condition of salvation. For example, although personally opposed to the use of instrumental music in corporate worship and to the premillennial interpretation of the scriptures, I think it is sinful to separate and segregate God's children over such matters. It is my firm conviction that unless we can solve the problem of division among ourselves we will have no effective witness to the contemporary ecumenical ferment.

     Repeatedly I have published my willingness to appear upon the campus of Abilene Christian College, George Pepperdine College, David Lipscomb College, Florida College, or any of the other Christian Colleges, and engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty and students. Thus far only silence has met this offer.

     Very humbly I now challenge the student body at Abilene Christian College to hear the other side of the subject of fellowship in the Spirit, as opposed to the exclusivistic and monastic closed door policy of the "Churches of Christ."

     Respectfully I ask for the privilege of appearing on campus and presenting my views of, and approach to, fellowship, and to engage in open Christian dialogue with the audience. I promise to conduct myself with brotherly decorum and to love those who disagree with my thesis as much as I do those who concur with it.

     Will Abilene Christian College allow open and free discussion with a brother in Christ Jesus our Lord who is judged as a non-conformist when measured by the orthodox concept of fellowship?

     With deep affection and love in the Lord for every brother and sister in Christ, I am happy to be. Yours and HIS, W. Carl Ketcherside"

     (Editor's Note: I recognize that the students would need to secure permission of the administration for dialogue on the campus and I pray that such permission may be granted upon request.)