Debating the anthem

Mennonite Weekly Review's Web site has received 68 comments and counting about Goshen (Ind.) College's decision to begin playing the national anthem in mid-March. That's likely the most we've had on any topic since we introduced comments in July 2008. Opinions have been mixed about the policy: some are in favor of it, many are against it and some question why the issue matters at all.

And our Web site is not the only place where people debating the decision are turning. Jesus Radicals, a network in which most participants are Anabaptists, is collecting signatures on a petition asking Goshen to reverse its decision. More than 450 people have signed since it was posted Feb. 8, more than half of them from other Christian traditions, according to Andy Alexis-Baker, one of the petition's writers. At least 120 are Goshen students or alumni.

Some of who have signed the petition have joined hundred of others in a 680-member Facebook group, "Against Goshen College Playing the National Anthem." From what I can tell, the group is mostly Goshen College students, alumni and current and former staff, with a couple of current staff writing that they are participating in discussion rather than showing full agreement with the group's purpose. Some group members write that they graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., and Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. Still others are from other Christian traditions.

The debate has continued on Goshen’s own Facebook page, where some have expressed support, though from my rough tally there are more than half against the decision. Goshen has placed resources on its Web site as well, including a timeline and full text of the anthem task force's proposal.

Discussion is now beginning to expand past Goshen College: The Elkhart (Ind.) Truth reported that Bethany Christian Schools, a Mennonite institution, is considering beginning to play the national anthem, having been blocked from hosting sectional games by the Indiana High School Athletic Association since summer 2007 for refusing the practice. — Celeste Kennel-Shank