A group of students that began last year is continuing to meet this semester to discuss a sensitive topic.

Michael “Fish” Van Huis, senior youth and family ministry major from Chattanooga, Tenn., came up with the idea in October 2011 to start a group for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgendered students. He said the mission of the group, called Voice, is “to create a safe, welcoming environment for students to engage questions of sexuality, identity and spirituality while fostering productive, educational dialogue with our surrounding community.”

Van Huis said he felt it was important to reach out to the community. He said he wanted to have a dinner that would bring people together and build relationships.

“It turned out to be an eight-week thing where we had meetings every week, and then we finally had our first dinner,” he said. “And then next semester we had our second dinner, and then after our second dinner we just kept on meeting and meeting and meeting.”

The group meets every week and has between 20-30 members at each meeting, he said. The group is not recognized by the university, but students from ACU and McMurry University regularly attend, he said.

“We just kind of talk, kind of share stories, have conversations about sexuality and faith and what that means for different people,” Van Huis said. “We have a variety of backgrounds in there.”

While the existence of the group does not violate the ACU Student Handbook, homosexual conduct and other sexual immorality are listed among Category Two violations that can ultimately lead to suspension or dismissal.

Ashley Owens, a junior psychology major from Granbury, is a member of the Voice leadership team.

“We have input and kind of represent the different voices and opinions of the group,” she said.

Owens said in addition to the group dinners, Justin Lee, the founder of the Gay Christian Network, came to speak last semester. Voice also hosted a reading party for the release of “Voiceless,” an anonymous publication written by gay former students about their experiences – both positive and negative – at ACU.

Owens said the leaders of Voice are looking to bring in more speakers and are trying to find more ways to connect with people without appearing as though they are trying to force their opinions on them.

“I think it’s been a very good learning experience, for myself and for others,” Van Huis said. “It’s been really helpful for both gay Christians and straight Christians to learn what it means to love their neighbor as themselves.”