Save the date… the first motions hearing is set for December 11th.

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The letter is signed by nine members of the ORU Vice Presidents council.

“…Our core values and principles have not changed from what God called them to be. That’s because these values are not just words or ideas in the eyes of the administration. They are a part of our inner being—a part of our life that cannot be separated…”

Our viewpoint: Ummm… Is nepotism for it’s own sake one of those core values and principles?

Read the letter here on ORU’s website.

On a side note, we’d like to point out that SaveORU.com is completely independent and is NOT afilliated with any of the lawyers, plaintiffs or defendants involved with this case.

ORU’s Attorneys Call for Gag Order Against the Professors

The attorneys for the professors have publicly stated that they will not go through mediation as long as ORU “denies any wrongdoing.”  The university is trying to get a gag order in place so they can no longer make public comments on the case.  They’re afraid that it will affect the possibility of a “fair trial”.

ORU’s motion also alleges that the plaintiffs “appear to have devised a scheme to slander defendants while hiding behind the litigation privilege, all in hope of achieving a quick, lucrative settlement of an employment lawsuit.”

Read the Tulsa World’s coverage here...

We think that this lawsuit isn’t about the money, it’s about the truth.  The ‘train’ of public perception has already left the station – just read the comments on any Tulsa World story involving the lawsuit.

SOME Alumni Are “Sad” Christian Mediation Wasn’t Used?

It’s always nice to read an article that appears to rebut itself:

Gary Richardson, attorney for the three professors, was quoted as saying that:

The biblical idea of mediation is practical “if they’ll talk to you. We couldn’t get them to talk to us.” (from the Tulsa World)

It looks like there was no attempt at being proactive on the university’s part.  Wisdom would dictate that it doesn’t pay to ignore something like this.

How the Other Half Lives

How does Richard and Lindsay Roberts’ university owned, tax-exempt, 1.4 million dollar, multi-house compound compare to other university president dwellings?

Read the answer for yourself here.

 Keep visiting Save ORU for the latest coverage and analysis.

Commentary:

With the recent controversy surrounding the university, many wounds from the past are being reopened for students and alumni. No one wants to see their alma mater dragged through the mud.

It is our belief that if any Christian ministry or organization insists, (through action, word or deed), that their financial and internal dealings are strictly private matters – people should send their support elsewhere. A failure to display transparency demonstrates a lack of accountability.

Oral Roberts University is not owned by the Roberts family. It was made possible through the contributions of hard-working men and women of faith. In our opinion, the university and has an obligation to assure the public that it operates in a upstanding manner.

We contend that the best way to dispel the current cloud of rumors and allegations is for the ORU Board of Regents to:

1. Make an absolute commitment to transparency in all of their dealings.
2. Place a term limit on the presidency.
3. Establish measures to limit family control.
4. Make the results of the audit and investigations available to the public.
5. Join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

The regents owe all students, alumni, faculty, employees and donors a point-by-point response to the allegations. The eyes of the world and the media are watching, and it’s a great opportunity to make the ORU community proud.

We live in the information age, and many tools exist to evaluate non-profits today. The following websites are a great place to start:

• www.charitynavigator.org
• www.ministrywatch.com

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has seven standards by which all members must comply, visit their website at www.ecfa.org to learn more.

Keep visiting Save ORU for more news, analysis and information.

Here’s a satirical look at our questions regarding the recent full-page ad in the Tulsa World. Click on the image below to see a larger view.

As we suspected, Billy Joe rejoined the Board of Regents only to take over the duties as president of Oral Roberts University a week later.  He is a natural choice to lead the university due to his long standing ties with ORU and the Roberts family, and also commands a great deal of respect and trust from the ORU community.  His church, Victory Christian Center, has purchased land and buildings from the university over the years.

Only one day after SaveORU.com launched, Richard Roberts announced that he is asking the Board of Regents to grant him leave of absence. In our first post, we predicted a surprise announcement after the university’s fall break (the announcement came earlier than we expected).

“Today, I have asked the Board of Regents of Oral Roberts University to grant me a temporary leave of absence until such time as these matters can be resolved. I have prayed about it, and feel that it is in the best interest of my family and the University.”

– Richard Roberts • President, Oral Roberts University

Read the AP’s full story here.

Are Richard and Lindsay packing their bags?

More in-depth analysis to come…

The ORU Board of Regents has pledged a full ‘audit’ into the allegations against President Richard Roberts, will the board address the financial AND moral implications of the lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges that they have Richard on tape bragging that he has “stacked the deck” when it comes to the Board of Regents. If this tape does indeed exist and can be verified, it is reason enough to call for Richard’s resignation.

People are human, and they do make mistakes, but the allegations point to a wider pattern of abuse that commonly occurs in non-profit and ministerial organizations.

Interestingly enough, Billy Joe Daugherty, who left the Regents earlier this year, announced last Wednesday in chapel that he has rejoined the board. This is a conspicuous coincidence to say the least.

Are the Regents circling the wagons to protect Richard and Lindsay?

Will there be a surprise announcement after Fall Break?

Stay tuned for more…