College removes cross – from chapel!*

William & Mary says move designed to make space less 'faith specific'

Posted: October 27, 2006

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.

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

The cross was in place because of the college's former association with
the Anglican Church. Though the college is now nondenominational and
became publicly supported in 1906, the room will still be considered a
chapel, college officials said.