College removes cross – from chapel!

Wren Chapel

The cross from the altar area of the chapel at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., has been removed to ensure the space is seen as a nondenominational area, explains administrator Melissa Engimann.

"In order to make the Wren Chapel less of a faith-specific space, and to make it more welcoming to students, faculty, staff and visitors of all faiths, the cross has been removed from the altar area," Engimann announced in an e-mail to staff.

Melissa Engimann

The cross will be returned to the altar for those who wish to use it for events, services or private prayer, the campus newspaper, the Flat Hat, reported.

The college was formerly associated with the Anglican Church. Since 1906, the college has been non-denominational and publicly supported. Though the cross will be removed, the room will still be considered a chapel, college officials said.

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