Christian University President Apologizes Following Criticism for Referencing Gender Identity, Nashville Shooting in ‘Flippant’ and ‘Calloused’ Manner

“I teach courses dedicated to gender at TEDS and can assure you that this letter does not represent the virtues for which we try to advocate in our classes,” do Vale wrote. “I’m sorry you got this.”

Dr. Madison N. Pierce, a former faculty member at TEDS, wrote, “Since many (beyond David) are expressing surprise about Perrin’s remarks here, I want to say that this letter is an accurate reflection of the man who leads the institution I left.” 

“I hope that dissatisfied students and alumni will continue to speak up,” Pierce added.

Conversely, others criticized Cramer’s response to the letter, with some going as far as to call him “embarrassingly effeminate” and “a groomer.” One person told Cramer to “cry more.”

Nevertheless, Perrin apparently took the criticism from Cramer and others to heart, as he subsequently issued an apology for the letter.

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“Recently Trinity donors received a letter bearing my signature, a letter whose introduction included passing comments connecting contemporary society’s embrace of transgenderism with the gospel’s waning influence within Western culture,” Perrin wrote. “Whatever otherwise valid points the communication may have been attempting to make, many found these impossible to hear given a few glaring missteps.”

Perrin added, “In allowing this letter to be released, I messed up and owe everyone an explanation. I will focus on two points.”

First, Perrin clarified that Trinity International University will not be “suddenly aligning itself with all-too-familiar scripts seeking to bash individuals who struggle” with gender dysphoria. 

“Jesus Christ came to save the world, not to target it or condemn it,” Perrin wrote. 

Second, Perrin admitted, “in commenting on the challenges posed by the cultural acceptance of transgender ideology, the letter could have done a better job in bringing to bear the kind of pastoral sensitivity this topic deserves.”

“One could hardly think of an issue that today is more charged, or requiring more sensitivity, than this one,” Perrin wrote. “And yet the tone of the letter failed to instantiate the kind of sensitivity to which we aspire here at Trinity.”

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“I take full responsibility for any pain or frustration this has caused members of the Trinity family,” Perrin concluded. “You deserve better and I promise that we will do better going forward.”