While I understand the legalities, policies and common practices Christians should oblige when regarding the homosexuality topic filtering throughout the campus and social media, I would like to ask at what cost must our board firmly proclaim their stance on the matter. Just answer the question – do you or do you not support the LGBT community on campus?
Throughout your letter, you begin with stating your abundant preparation by claiming to have prayed, researched and have had “discussion(s) on sexual stewardship.” Then, you proceed to explain your stance – and still explained, stood and proclaimed nothing to the common questions students still have regarding the university’s stance on the LGBT issue. Should students remain in the closet when deciding to attend ACU? Should Christians learn and accept the notion that perhaps “praying the gay away” is the best method for homosexuals? Should students just accept the fact that homosexuality is not from God?
Although I am sure your letter tried to explain why the board has chosen to remain silent and un-affirmed on either side, your letter created more questions than answers for our students, especially those who identify as homosexual.
It comes as no surprise that our Christian university redirects every concern back to the good book. However, this topic is yearning to be answered with a flat yes or no. When the letter states that you strive to love and welcome all individuals, why do you turn the other cheek when asked what you support? When the letter explains how you “recognize this belief may conflict with the practice or vision of the larger culture. Yet [you] hold to the historic Christian perspective on this issue while being respectful of those who disagree with [you],” how do you expect students to feel when they read this letter, hear Biblical professors quietly affirm the LGBT community in class and still find that no one on the administration has the decency to sit down and say “I [blank] the LGBT students on campus.”
As you stated, “[You] call for civility and respect. As a university, [you] encourage the vigorous pursuit of truth. As a Christian university, [you] believe the Bible is true and reliable. [You] recognize that Christians inside and outside the ACU community have different interpretations of Scripture on same-sex relationships. Regardless of one’s perspective, [you] encourage all of our community members to engage this issue with Christian care and compassion. [You] condemn language and behaviors that communicate disrespect toward any member of the ACU community,” yet you still choose not to answer the question – what do you, the board members with families, friends and peers possibly involved with the LGBT community, believe?
Like you, I strive to find the truth in every news story. I understand what is at stake when one of your members chooses to speak out. However, I can guarantee the student body wants a direct answer.
This response to you is not made out of spite. Rather, I would like to be a soon-to-be alumnus of a university that isn’t afraid to state their opinion regardless of the consequences both on earth and in the everlasting life.
