Samford University, a Christian school founded by Alabama Baptists in 1841, has declined a $3 million donation. The "gift" came with one major string attached: the newly formed LGBT group Samford Together would have to be shut down.

 

Samford Together was developed as a "forum for students who want to discuss topics relating to sexual orientation and gender identity…[in] an open-minded and accepting environment."

 

The Alabama Baptist Convention, however, did not approve of the club and it told the school that its support of $3 million would be withdrawn if Samford Together was allowed to continue.

 

‘We strongly believe that the Old Testament and New Testament each speak unequivocally against homosexuality. When addressing same-gender sexual relationships, the Bible without exception never affirms such behavior as an approved lifestyle," said John Thweatt, the convention’s president, and Rick Lance, executive director of its board of missions, in a joint statement.

 

The university -- located in Homewood, just outside of Birmingham -- told the group to go fly a kite.

 

"Our longstanding educational and ministry relationships with Alabama Baptists have always been more significant than money, and these relationships will continue and flourish," explained University president Andrew Westmoreland.

 

That deserves an A+.