Media Coverage of the 2007 Soulforce Equality Ride

[Jamie McDaniel]

This thread is for posting links to media coverage of the 2007 Soulforce Equality Ride. If you find a story or video, please post it.

Merced Sun-Star
February 19, 2007
A test of faith: Two Merced residents will reach out to college students about being gay and Christian (http://www.mercedsunstar.com/life/story/13309375p-13937126c.html)

The Salt Lake Tribune
February 6, 2007
Gay-rights group plans BYU encore (http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5166198)

Savannah Morning News
January 29, 2007
Hinesville native hits the road for gay rights (http://savannahnow.com/node/219304)

[BenL]

Jamie,

I posted previously about the Boston area ride. The thread is at:
http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1941

Thought you might want to ad the article to this thread.

BenL

[weyhoops]

From the Daily Princetonian:
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2007/02/13/news/17298.shtml

From the Grand Rapids Press:
http://www.mlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-34/117117945884660.xml?grpress?NEG&coll=6

[Jennifer5]

Good Luck to all the Equality Riders!!!!

I wish I was getting to meet of bunch of people when they're in Seattle on April 11th, but my mom has to work and said she can't let my sister and I go without an adult.... which sucks even though I do understand. But good luck to everyone, these things really do make a difference in a lot of people's lives. :love:

[BruceChris]

And hey, congrats, Jennifer, you're almost legal. :eek: :eek: :confused: :lol: :aparty: :applause: :agree:

P&L, Bruce Chris

[Jennifer5]

And hey, congrats, Jennifer, you're almost legal. :eek: :eek: :confused: :lol: :aparty: :applause: :agree:

P&L, Bruce Chris

Thanks.... but the one who is really almost legal would be Austin! Sweet 16 is good enough for now though... I'm not in much of a hurry to grow up....

[andrewlittle]

That's why, at 52, I'm still resisting.

[andrewlittle]

On March 8 & 9, the Riders go to Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA. Not exactly my neck of the woods, being 250 miles away, but I'm trying to figure out to get there.

Anyway, I haven't found much on Dordt website about the Riders coming, but find this interestly timed session:

Biblical Teaching, Pastoral Care, and Scientific Findings Regarding Sexual Morality and Homosexuality
Rescheduled for Tuesday, March 6 at 9 p.m. in C-160.
Pastor Rod Gorter, Professor Danny Hitchcock, and Pastor Aaron Baart from Bridge of Hope Ministries will present information on God's design for human sexuality and a biblical understanding of homosexual conduct, the social science/psychological scientific research regarding homosexuality, and the responsibility to provide gracious and loving care for individuals who are homosexual or struggling with their sexual identity. The program will provide opportunity for the members of the audience to ask questions. Refreshments will be served.

Wish I'd seen this before - I know some allies close enough to have gotten to this and been mice in the corners.

At least on their non-password pages there is no mention whatsoever about soulforce E-Riders.

[Steven E. Webster]

Friends,

I heard Equality Rider Justin Hager interviewed on the local segment of the National Public Radio broadcast here in Madison, Wisconsin this afternoon. I think Justin was interviewed by the Superior, Wisconsin station of Wisconsin Public Radio. He did an excellent job--it was a very positive interview.

Steven Webster

[Steven E. Webster]

I found this item googling "Soulforce" notre dame:

http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=14881

Steven Webster

[kara speltz]

This article is one of the best I've seen so far. kara

http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/paper660/sections/20070309News.html

[nmwolfboy]

Found online today (3/18/07):

Bob Jones University says gay activist group plans campus visit


The Associated Press
GREENVILLE, S.C. | A spokesman for Bob Jones University says a gay activist group plans to visit the fundamentalist Christian school even though it rejected the group's request to talk to students months ago.

Soulforce Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Lynchburg, Va., has organized several "equality rides" to religious and military colleges across the country to protest attitudes about homosexuality at those institutions.

"We were aware they had done this at other schools last year," Bob Jones spokesman Jonathan Pait said.

A request to come to the Greenville school in October was rejected, but Pait said the group has indicated it will be on campus April 4.

Soulforce's Web site indicated it plans to visit Bob Jones on that date but makes no mention of its request to speak with students being rejected.

A telephone message left for a Soulforce spokesman was not immediately returned.

In a prepared statement, Bob Jones President Stephen Jones said: "The track record and stated goals of this group demonstrate that their objective is not to conduct two-way dialogue but to pressure us to compromise our biblical stand and change our policies."

The school's Web site says prohibited behavior for its students includes "dishonesty, lewdness, sensual behavior, adultery, homosexuality, sexual perversion of any kind, pornography, illegal use of drugs and drunkenness." The school also says it believes "biblical principles preclude gambling, dancing and the beverage use of alcohol."

Several Soulforce Equality Riders were arrested this week at a similar protest at Oklahoma Baptist University, which expels openly gay students.

According to Soulforce's Web site, part of its mission is to try to change religious leaders' opposition to homosexuality.

[NathanATX]

o6ykId1TYWY

[tlchris]

Thank God you are coming to BJU! I live in Greenville and would love to be there!

[tlchris]

Thank you for coming to BJU! I live in Greenville - we desperately need a voice!:D If I can do anything to help, let me know.

[kimmyd]

Thank you for coming to BJU! I live in Greenville - we desperately need a voice!:D If I can do anything to help, let me know.



That is so sweet. You're a good guy.

:love:

[Jamie McDaniel]

Here is a very good video out of Idaho.


Group Urges Tolerance at Christian Colleges (http://www.ktvb.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=130023)

[reikosan]

Today's article: Baylor Student Arrested With Soulforce (http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=44728)

Yesterday's article: Soulforce Members Arrested on Campus (http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=44715)

Opinion article: Baylor uses hypocritical approach to homosexuality conversation (http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=44710)

There are a few others in the news archives as well. It makes me sad to be so conflicted over my university. I love Baylor. But I hate how hypocritical the administration can be and how intolerant some supposedly Christian students can be.

[Rick336]

What makes Baylor exceptional is not only what goes on inside it's walls but also what it presents to the outside world.

That face should be one that will encourage other great minds and hearts to come here and learn in the future. As members of the Baylor family, what message do we want to send to the world? Do we want to send the message that we are so insecure in our faith and afraid of individuals we perceive as different that we won't welcome them onto our campus for a discussion?

I sincerely hope such a backward and timid outlook by the administration isn't representative of our student body.

Wow! Those are eloquent and powerful words from Baylor law student Katie Sweeten. She is going to be a great lawyer.

Thanks reikosan for posting the links.


Rick

[Emproph]

March 22, 2007

The Clarion Ledger

Article (http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS/70322023) and Photo Gallery (http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=D0&Date=20070322&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=703220802&Ref=PH&Profile=1001&Params=Itemnr=1)

Video of arrests:
8467262562662566329

[scorpiogirl]

Some of the Riders were arrested this morning here in Louisville. This hits home with me since I know many who have attended the seminary where this took place.


http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070326/NEWS01/70326023

[andrewlittle]

The Courier seems to take a reasonable approach to the issue, and posted other pictures that show no inflamatory behavior by the E-Riders.

They also have other articles and op-ed pieces about Mohler, the president of the seminary and his baby modification endorsement.

[BruceChris]

Clearly point up the inconsistency between a God who creats heterosexuals, and blesses heterosexuality under some circumstances, and a God who creats homosexuals, but judges and condemns homosexual expression, under ANY circumstances.

CC's almost always blame this type of inconsistency on "The Fall", and then follow theri own reasoning to a *blame the victum* conclusion.

It is always tempting for me to think a of belief in "The Fall" as a form of moral idolatry, on the part of the CC's.

P&L, BC

[scorpiogirl]

Clearly point up the inconsistency between a God who creats heterosexuals, and blesses heterosexuality under some circumstances, and a God who creats homosexuals, but judges and condemns homosexual expression, under ANY circumstances.

CC's almost always blame this type of inconsistency on "The Fall", and then follow theri own reasoning to a *blame the victum* conclusion.

It is always tempting for me to think a of belief in "The Fall" as a form of moral idolatry, on the part of the CC's.

P&L, BC

I agree!! God put us on this earth just like heterosexuals. We have a place in his/her grand plan just like everyone else. But of course that defeats the argument against us :rolleyes: . It's because of Molher that I no longer consider myself to be a Christian.

[Emproph]

The Courier-Journal
Louisville, Kentucky

Activists stage seminary sit-in (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070327/NEWS01/703270394)
They protest Mohler's commentary on gays
The activists are part of the group Soulforce, which calls for religious groups to accept noncelibate gays and lesbians as members and leaders.Sounds like a loaded statement to me and I realize it's not a quote, but is anyone here aware of an instance where Soulforce, or someone from Soulforce has used the word "noncelibate" in the way it's portrayed here?

[u-dog]

I think its a fair characterization. My church allows GLBT people to be ordained (not that we would be able to find jobs very easily) but only if we are living "chaste" single lives. When the Presbyterian Church (USA) says "chaste" what they really mean is "celibate" since "chaste" includes being appropriately sexually active (i.e. within an exclusive covenantal relationshp). But we don't SAY "celibate" since our theology doesn't really believe in celibacy as a "choice" but rather as a charism. (See John Calvin's reflections on the celebate priesthood in "The Institutes of the Christian Religion")

Soulforce has engaged in direct non-violent action at General Assembly meetings protesting the fact that the PC(USA) only ordains glbt people who are celibate.

So, yeah, I think that statement is fair.

Dave

[Emproph]

This was my correspondence with Peter Smith who wrote the article:
Mr. Smith,
I am a forum member at Soulforce and I had a few questions about a line in your article:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Activists stage seminary sit-in
They protest Mohler's commentary on gays
---
This is from the mission statement at Soulforce:
"The purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."

This is from your article:
The activists are part of the group Soulforce, which calls for religious groups to accept noncelibate gays and lesbians as members and leaders.
---
Frankly, I find the characterization to be ostensibly loaded. Religious groups, members and leaders is rather ambiguous, however, noncelibate means sexually active, and thus, is decidedly specific.

This has not been my experience or understanding of Soulforce. So I was wondering if you could direct me to where "calls for religious groups to accept noncelibate gays and lesbians as members and leaders" has been made by Soulforce.

To be honest, I am offended after having read that characterization, as you may have already gathered. It comes across as an opinion to me and a gratuitous one at that -- as it seems an unfair, yet intended characterization of the Equality Riders' protest of discriminatory school policies.

To be fair though, I do understand that some people see the goals of Soulforce in the way that you described.

So I'm wondering if this was supposition or extrapolation -- however sincere and/or well thought out on your part -- or if you've actually read or heard a member of Soulforce use the word "noncelibate" in reference to their "calls" for "religious groups to accept noncelibate gays and lesbians as members and leaders."

And also of course, which/what kind of "religious groups" are you referring to, so I can get a better idea of what is meant by "members and leaders."

It just seems like an unfair characterization, so any clarification you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you sincerely,

Patrick Fitzgerald
To which he replied:

Mr. Fitzgerald,

Thanks for writing. I have witnessed Soulforce protests at denominational meetings that have criticized denominations for 1) failing to ordain gays and lesbians, 2) failing to bless same-sex relationships and 3) in some cases failing to accept them as members. Many conservative churches say they can accept gays and lesbians as long as they remain celibate, contending that homosexual activity itself is sinful, not the orientation. Soulforce has made clear that this is not what it's looking for -- rather for churches to embrace the idea that for some people, their best expression of sexual love is through a same-sex relationship. I was trying to make clear that these churches' definitions of acceptance are not the same as Soulforce's. I was also trying to specify what type of "oppression" Soulforce was combatting.

Religious groups whose conventions had such protests include the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 2000, the United Methodist Church in 2000 and 2004 and the Southern Baptist Convention (2004 and perhaps other years as well).

Best regards,

-Peter
~~
So then I asked for permission to post it:
Thank you so much Peter,

I very much appreciate your getting back with me. I posed the same question on the website forum and already got a confirmation from someone I trust that yes, your characterization is accurate.

Do you mind if I post your response to my email, both in full, to drive home the point, hopefully to help ensure that such a description is better understood in the future and not taken as offensive?

Again, I appreciate your time,

-Patrick
----
Thanks for your reply. You're welcome to post it if you'd like. My aim is to describe all sides' points of view as accurately and concisely as possible.

Best regards,

-PeterCool eh? I should do this more often.

[andrewlittle]

I agree with Dave when he states that celibacy is an issue for some denominations - notable in his reply PC(USA). For others, however, it is not. The UMC does not draw that distinction.

Peter Smith was not wrong to use the word celebate, necessarily, but it only focuses on one aspect of what the E-Riders are seeking to accomplish. In some schools the very fact of being gay is enough for expulsion or other disciplinary action, while others discipline homosexual sexual activity.

Likewise, some churches differentiate between "being" and "acting" - a theme that was picked up in another thread. To write that Soulforce "calls for religious groups to accept noncelibate gays and lesbians as members and leaders" reduces the efforts of Soulforce to just seeking sexual freedom as opposed to the broader freedom to "be".

While not necessarily untrue, the choice of words in not accurate, in that it diminishes the efforts and intentions to one aspect of being LGBT.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Video from today's visit to the University of the Cumberlands -- a difficult stop which I got to attend. Things yelled from vehicles included "heterosexuals rule," "bunch-a-queers!" and "fags!" And police not allowing riders their constitutional rights to stand on a public sidewalk.

Click for video (http://ww2.wkyt.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=1329990&at1=News+%2D+Hard+News&vt1=v&h1=Protest+At+Southern+Kentucky+University+%2D+Phi l+Pendleton+Reports&d1=131433&redirUrl=http://ww2.wkyt.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage)

Lexington Herald-Leader
3 from gay rights group arrested during visit to private college (http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/28676.html)

[Emproph]

Equality Riders Face Anti-Gay Protesters Outside Bob Jones University

Upon arrival to Bob Jones, Equality Riders were met with groups protesting their visit and message of inclusion for God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children. Operation Save America, Truth Ministry, and Americans for Truth were three of the anti-gay groups present. Through bullhorns and homophobic signs, they loudly and forcefully spoke against the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

The Equality Riders arrested were Katie Higgins, 24, from Charleston, SC; Amanda Harris, 22, from Little Rock, AR; and Bronwen Tomb, 23, from New London, CT. These students were arrested as they attempted to walk on to campus to deliver artwork and a call for change to the campus.

http://www.soulforce.org/article/1232
~~

The video is ugly to match, but noteworthy.

*take caution*
lI61JhAcBfE

[u-dog]

It struck me while wathcing that video (thanks emproph!) that when a person is bitten by a poisonous serpent the treatment is to cut open the wound and allow it to bleed, withdrawing as much of the venom as possible. The Equality Riders are doing that very same thing for Bob Jones University (which has been bitten by a DIFFERENT serpant) They are cutting open the bite and sucking out the venom, allowing it to flow out into the open where everyone to see it for what it is.

God Bless those folks!!

[davidb]

That video footage reminds me so much of the civil rights protests in Alabama and Mississippi in the early 60's. What a powerful witness was made yesterday.

[revtj]

http://www.wdef.com/video/extra_coverage/soulforce1.asf

http://wdef.com/node/3781

I still want to figure out how to post an actual video like Emproph...:confused:

[u-dog]

Jarret is amazing!! I am so proud of how articulate and even tempered he is! What an ambassador!

[Emproph]

Jarret is amazing!! I am so proud of how articulate and even tempered he is! What an ambassador!

I was really touched by those, thanks TJ. It makes a big difference to see it and hear it like that. For all the trauma we've been through of late, it sounded to me like some healthy banter occurred. I just about cried when they brought out those boxed lunches (they were really in boxes!)

:earth: Thank you.

---

And for imbedding YouTube and Google videos:
http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?p=21497#post21497

It's pretty cinchy. :tup:

[revtj]

http://www.southernvoice.com/2007/4-6/news/localnews/6750.cfm

In the previously posted tv video from Chattanooga, a Covenant College official claims that Covenant was feeding the Equality Riders' lunch (a meal before betrayal is certainly biblical)...but the SoVo article says lunch came from a Chattanooga MCC congregation.

Anyone know the scoop?

[u-dog]

The day winds through cheerfully. Students and riders form the type of connections that young people who are sandwiched together form. A welcome wagon troupe from the school brings down box lunches and water. A Metropolitan Community Church from nearby Chattanooga brings in more food for the kids, who are only distinguishable by the polo shirt and khaki pants the riders wear.

This paragraph seems to suggest that the MCC congregation brought additional food (fresh warm cookies? Hot-dish? beer and pizza?)

[Emproph]

Article (http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=45050) on a residual effect of the visit. Here's snip of it:
Almost two weeks after Soulforce Equality Ride's stop in Waco, the Baylor campus is still feeling its effects.

This time, it's in the form of an online student petition protesting Baylor's statement on human sexuality.

Addressed to President John Lilley, the petition reads, "We, as students, recognize Baylor as a Christian University, and place an utmost importance on love and acceptance. We find Baylor's attitudes, actions and policy on homosexuality to be offensive, bigoted, and antiquated and wrong.

"Our goal is to have a University that is tolerant of sexual minorities. We feel that spiritual superiority and judgment does not further our Christian message, but degrades it. Fueling attitudes of fear and hatred towards those of homosexual orientation is wrong, regardless of how one feels about how the Bible interprets homosexual practice."

San Antonio senior Christina Cigala, who wrote the petition, said it didn't come as a result of Soulforce's Waco stop, but that she was troubled by some students' reactions to the visit. She started the petition to raise student awareness of the issue and to start conversations about it...

[Emproph]

This has been sitting on my cable recorder box since 4-18 of last year.

I haven't had time to research the bill yet – but a few interesting tidbits here I thought worthy of note regarding the discussions we've been having this year. (about 2 min)

“A BYU spokes-person told us on the phone that this new amendment is not about discrimination, but allowing religious universities to follow their own beliefs.”
fEaYIPXNroc

[Emproph]

SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: April 17, 2007 (http://www.soulforce.org/article/1245)

(Provo, Utah) -- Three weeks after the Soulforce Equality Ride visited the campus to deliver a list of community concerns for the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, officials at Brigham Young University have amended the section of the student honor code that deals with sexual orientation.

BoxTurtleBulletin (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2007/04/17/302) covers the story and links to the Salt Lake Tribune coverage (http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5684555).

A poster on BTB (http://www.haloscan.com/comments/boxturtlebulletin/302/) had this to say:
Some of the homosexual BYU students felt that the stereotype which the SoulForce activists evoked was not characteristic of gay BYU students and wished to discuss the matter with the administration. This led to changes in the Honor Code, which verbage was prepared by the administration. A first-hand report is here (http://drexolympus.blogspot.com/2007/04/historic-strides-at-byu-chapter-honor.html).

The link goes to this blog which states:
When we got there, she basically handed us a fully-approved bureaucracy-conquered new version of that section of the honor code. She wanted us to pass off on it and make sure we were okay with it before it went in, but she'd already gotten through all the red tape. It is an amazing fix, and answers the questions we had. It explains what homosexual behavior is, and what advocacy is, according to the university, and outlines clearly what is allowed.Yeah, we're pretty stoked about the implications (and understanding), not to mention the reverberations this can potentially have. BYU-Provo sets the standard for the 3 other CES institutions (BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, LDS Business College), and the administration (and we) are hoping that the changes will be adapted directly to the other institutions. That means the changes made this week may directly influence upwards of 50,000 people, and with turnover will continue to influence thousands of new students as they come in.


The BYU text (http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3599&Itemid=4643) of which includes:
Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings. Advocacy includes seeking to influence others to engage in homosexual behavior or promoting homosexual relations as being morally acceptable.

Mixed feelings here, but the idea of change alone being "acceptable" is encouraging.

[Emproph]

I just found this.

Personal and very poignant testimony by current BYU student enclosed:

~~
2007 Soulforce Equality Ride: Brigham Young University

EZQFO7JOvtE

[Daniel]

Patrick! Thanks for posting this! The BYU student made my heart leap. The word courageous doesn't even begin to describe her actions. Wow.

[Emproph]

(On Patrick Henry College)

Moved here #3:
http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2774

[Sherrie Z]

From Advocate.com

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid44843.asp



The right not to remain silent

One Equality Rider explains why being arrested in the line of duty isn't quite as romantic as it sounds.

By Katie Higgins

An Advocate.com exclusive posted April 25, 2007

[u-dog]

God Bless you Katie Higgins !!!! And thanks.

[Daniel]

http://365gay.com/Newscon07/04/042707ride.htm

While the demonstrators were being led away, a number of students exited the campus to talk to other members of the group.

Interesting how this happens at every stop. ;)