President Livingstone addresses Commencement prayer

“Like many of the attendees at one of the May 18, 2019, Commencement ceremonies, I was caught off-guard during the Benediction as this prayer is intended to focus on the graduates as they leave Baylor University and make a mark around the world, not to communicate any kind of political statement. The prayer was not scripted by anyone within the University, and I am disappointed that it has distracted from a special moment for our graduates and families attending Commencement."

“Baylor typically allows a parent of one of the graduating students to offer the Benediction during Commencement, which is what occurred in this instance. We will review our internal procedures moving forward to ensure the Benediction is offered as intended at future Commencement ceremonies.”