Campus pour Christ changes its name

Campus Crusade for Christ will now be called "CRU" in the USA. The American branch of Campus for Christ has adopted this abstract name in order to overcome the existing obstacles and prejudices inherent in its original name.

Student evangelism

Campus for Christ was founded in 1951 at the University of California with the mission of showing students how to know and experience God's love and His plan for their lives. It collaborates with University Bible Groups at many universities.

Evangelism among university students has enabled Campus for Christ to win many souls. The movement is already active in over 190 countries worldwide.

Reasons for the name change

Campus pour Christ will become "Cru" in 2012. Evangelical Christians deplore the disappearance of "Christ" in the new denomination. Campus Crusade staff to remove the word "Christ".

Campus Crusade for Christ International staff say "Cru would offer better evangelistic opportunities" for the movement while avoiding the stigma attached to the word "Christ".

"The name Campus Crusade for Christ presented many obstacles to our mission," reads the organization's press release. "Our survey showed that 20% of people are less willing to have a relationship with us because of our name. A name change will open new doors for us," according to CRU communications manager Karen Dye.

The name change was decided at a board meeting in 2009. The new name will take effect at the beginning of next year.

Aloys Evina (journalchretien.net)