A beacon of unity and faith: The miraculous impact of Unite Auburn
The annual Unite Auburn is an extraordinary event. As Christians preach where two or more are gathered in His name, the Lord is present among them. This Biblical promise, found in Matthew 18:20, serves as the cornerstone for gatherings like Unite Auburn, an event designed to inspire, empower and unify the Auburn student body through faith.
We live in a society increasingly marred by division, moral relativism, and a shift away from traditional values that have long anchored our communities including our colleges and universities. Against this backdrop, Unite Auburn serves as a powerful gathering point enabling students to come together in shared faith and community. This is not just an event but an important opportunity for moral and spiritual development.
Yet, despite all the positive benefits Unite Auburn offers, the radical hate-filled Freedom From Religion Foundation has sought to denounce it, threatening legal action arguing that such an event is inappropriate on a public college campus. In doing so, they forsake the very idea of unity behind a mission that all religions and moral societies embrace, choosing division instead. It is unbelievable to me to see an organization that claims to advocate for freedom is actually stifling the liberty of individuals to come together in a celebration of shared values and faith.
I must commend Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville for their steadfast support of Unite Auburn and their opposition to the efforts of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. It is refreshing to see leaders who are unafraid to stand up for what is right, who recognize the potential of events like Unite Auburn to bring about positive change in our communities. In doing so, they realize in supporting faith-based activities they are putting a target on their backs for snide remarks and statements of condemnation from the national and even the local media.
It's a testament to their commitment to the constituents they serve, standing firm in their convictions even when faced with opposition. Their support reminds us that it is possible to govern justly while upholding the Christian principles that have guided our nation for generations.
I would be remiss if I did not extend a heartfelt thank you to Auburn's Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, Head Baseball Coach Butch Thompson and Head Football Coach Hugh Freeze for their pivotal roles in Unite Auburn. Coach Pearl's unwavering support for this event underlines the profound impact that leaders within our educational institutions can have when they stand for principles larger than themselves. Coach Thompson has been a supporter since his arrival as baseball coach. Similarly, Coach Freeze didn't merely endorse the event; he took the meaningful step of participating in the baptisms that followed off campus, serving as a powerful testimony to his personal faith and commitment to the spiritual well-being of Auburn's student body. All three coaches exemplify what it means to be leaders both on and off the field and court, highlighting the beautiful intersection of faith and community that Auburn Unite represents.
Governor Ivey's remarks to the FFRF encapsulate the sentiments of countless Alabamians. Our state motto, "We dare defend our rights," is not an idle phrase but a committed stance. Alabama will not be cowed by organizations seeking to undermine our cherished freedoms, religious or otherwise.
When groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation attempt to sow discord and division, it becomes increasingly clear that the spiritual battleground is not confined to our churches or our homes, it is everywhere, even on our college campuses. It is for these reasons that we should continue to stand together as a country, to rally behind commendable initiatives like Unite Auburn. We also must express our deepest gratitude to those in positions of leadership — be it in politics or sports — who remain unafraid to proclaim their faith and stand by their values.
Perry O. Hooper Jr. is a former Alabama State Representative and the founder of Let The People Speak.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: A beacon of unity and faith: The miraculous impact of Unite Auburn
