(UPDATE)The professor of a Christian college who asserted Christians and Muslims worship the same God said Wednesday that her views are in line with the suburban Chicago college’s mission and disputed university accounts of interactions with administrators who’ve taken steps to fire her. Larycia Hawkins, who’s Christian, was placed on leave at Wheaton College in December after posting her views on Facebook.
She also wore a headscarf to show solidarity with Muslims. College officials said her views were inconsistent with the college’s “doctrinal convictions.” On Tuesday, they said she refused to participate in further conversations about theological issues and initiated termination-for-cause proceedings. However, Hawkins said she tried to reconcile with university officials during a news conference Wednesday at a downtown Chicago church where she received backing from religious leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson. FULL REPORT
