BEYOND THE HEDGES: Brigham Young terminates scholar for missing church

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The university, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, adopted a policy in 1995 requiring such approval for their Mormon employees. Steven E. Epperson, an assistant professor of history, said he had not been certified because he missed some church services on Sundays. He said he had spent that time serving breakfast to homeless people.

The university expects Mormon professors to be "faithful members of the church," Associate Academic Vice President James Gordon said.

He would not discuss the firing or say whether it was the first under the rule requiring certification by bishops.

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education, Jan. 31.

This item appeared in the News section of the January 31, 1997 issue.

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