Northwestern...

[acsewell]

Hello, my name is Alli! :)
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend the first and third sessions held at NWC today. During the second session I had to go up to work, where my boss asked me about the previous hour.
All I could tell him was that it was interesting - both sides presented their views. Both sides backed up their arguments with scripture. It was like a short, polite, unsuccessful debate. It was informative, though, and I was happy to have been able to listen.
The third session was much better, in my opinion. The equality riders temporarily ignored the scriptural aspect and focused on persecution. One of my best friends is a lesbian (from home of course, not here) and my heart breaks to hear about young people being shunned, tortured and murdered for being homosexual. I couldnt help but think of her. It really hit home.
Afterward we were given the incredible opportunity of listening to a young man, Brandon, discuss his thoughts. One of the first things he said was that he, along with many other equality riders, were hurt by comments made during speeches given by representatives of NWC. When he said that, my heart honestly broke. NWC has been preparing for this day for months. It was said time and time again that homosexual behavior is a sin, but it is no different from the many sins that we all face every day. It is not our place to judge, ever. We, as a community, prepared to welcome the equality riders with love, respect and kindness.
The fact that we failed in this effort is frustrating to me. I signed up for the sessions with the idea that I would be among other NWC students and faculty who genuinely love and care about the equality riders, regardless of their sexuality. After listening to Brandon, I was left with the impression that there was a much greater message that needed to get out, but was stifled by the college's rude and judgmental comments. This is much longer than I intended it to be, but I just want to apologize to every single one of you. You were all so kind, polite and obliging to the strict guidelines, and we still managed to be cruel. I am truly sorry!
You are all in my prayers. Have a safe trip!

[BrentRichards]

Thanks for your comments ... many Christians simply cannot see that saying "we really don't judge you" and "we really do love you" is a hollow refrain for those of us who've lived in the unwelcome for so long. The old saying goes "Your actions speak so loudly that I can't hear what you're saying."

The Riders are a great bunch of young people ... glad you got to meet them.

[scott snedeker]

Alli,

You are one of the beautiful people who are out here to make this world a kinder place. Always follow your heart. Let love in. You will never come to harm by doing so. When you are my age you will look back and smile, Knowing that your spreading of the message of love has made the world better!

[Tr8859]

Ali, For those of us at NWC, I completely agree with you.
We were supposed to welcome everyone with Love and kindness.
The problem I noticed, I believe that the students did a much better Job than the Faculty.
Some of the comments that were made by NWC response really bugged me just because it seemed it a lot of the sub topics that he would bring up stuff that the Riders never brought up in the first place.
It made him look like he was putting words into their mouths, which in my opinion was not a very loving attitude. it should have been handled a lil better. Also, for the most part, the riders who spoke were students like us and then we send up someone with a Docterate (sp) or a Masters in something, that just seemed a little off. I'm not saying that The equality riders were not qualified, they were amazing, it just seemed a little shady on our part.
My best friend in the world is Gay, he is like my big brother, when his parents found out they presented him to the church as the way he was. He was allowed to stay but seriously who would want to after something like that? That has tanted his view of the church ever since because there is no Love and no Forgiveness, all he saw was hate and bitterness.
I never wanna have someone look back and not see love and understanding.


Equality Riders, I Hope and Pray that some of us were able to show you Love, and Kindness. My prayers go out to each and every one of you as we part ways, i do hope that we will meet again.

-Travis

[danychosen]

I too attend Northwestern College and would like to let all the riders know that not all of us here at NWC beleive you are somehow "broken" or "sinful." It really bothers me that the school I chose to attend, because it supposedly teaches a message of "unconditional" love, has been so very uncompassionate to those they do not even understand. Riders, please know that the judgmental attitude displayed by some while you were here is definately not felt by all--after all, who are they to tell one how to love when God is the author of all love. I lend my support to your convictions and my apologies for any hurt my school or fellow student may have caused, know that at least some, still appreciate you for who you are as whole, complete people. Thanks.

[kara speltz]

Just wanted the three Northwestern students to know that I copied their postings and forwarded them on to Alexey, who was the coordinator for Northewestern. I know the Riders will be very appreciative of your words.

kara

[ChristopherDH]

I, too, am a graduate of Northwestern (1991-1996). I congratulate everyone for their efforts to influence change on campus. In my time there, I can honestly say that 95% of my roommates were gay. We never talked about it or discussed opening. It's unfortunate that the shame and guilt that was pressed on us caused many of us to engage in unsafe, underground behavior.

It is a saving grace that so many of you are demonstrating bold and positive action. The world needs you. I am happily partnered with a fantastic guy for almost three years. We're both living proof that a joyful, fulfilling life is possible when we live in Truth.

Wishing you a great fall...

[Jennifer5]

Welcome, glad to have you here :)

[emi]

ohhhhh MY! ok so I am a student currently at Northwestern. I knew going in that I would have issues with how strict NWC is but I told myself I would stay with it since I knew this was the school God wanted me at. And I knew I would have to keep my mouth shut when it came to discussions on homosexuality. Although I myself am straight I am a very passionate person and I definatly agree that it is ok and well put 2 and 2 together this is a topic that I hold very near and dear to my heart. WELL last year (when you guys went to NWC) I almost peed my pants when I heard about your group, I had no idea that anything like this existed. So I like Alli went to the training that we had to go through in order to converse with The Riders. You were required to attend 3 meetings in order to be able to speak to The Riders. I thought that I had only attended 2 so I didn't think I could talk to you guys but... Thats isn't my point of this post. I knew that there were some people struggling at NWC with their sexuality, I mean just walk around the campus and your gay-dar will be beeping un bearably. But what I didn't know was that there were people who agreed with me! So Alli and I think Danny.... And to all the rest yey!