Chair of Christian Understanding Founded

The Richard L. Evans Chair of Christian Understanding has been established at Brigham Young University. Financed through donations from both members and nonmembers, the chair is in memory of the late Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve, who was known to millions not only for Church work and “The Spoken Word” on radio and television, but also for his activity in various civic organizations, including Rotary International, which he served as president in 1966.

The purpose of the chair is to promote understanding among people of differing religions through teaching and other activities centered in Jesus Christ.

First occupant of the chair is Dr. Truman Madsen, director of the Institute of Mormon Studies at BYU and a member of the Sunday School general board. Although he will continue his work at BYU, Dr. Madsen will be a “commuting professor” at centers of religious learning. He also will respond to invitations from academic, civic, and social organizations to present Mormon history and philosophy. His first major assignment will be this spring when he will commute to Berkeley, California, for two days weekly to deliver lectures on Church doctrine and history.