News Coverage of the 2006 Soulforce Equality Ride

[Jamie McDaniel]

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

KARE11 Minneapolis News Coverage from March 2, 2006 (http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=119940) (story and video)

[schoolboi]

I have found the most comprehensive search for links to news coverage can be found at Google News: Equality Ride (http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=equality+ride&btnG=Search+News)I would encourage people to sign up for the news alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts?hl=en&q=equality+ride).

[sidhe]

here's some local coverege of a tourstop in lynchburg va from http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0306/308474.html, but as a bonus to really tick everyone off scrol down to the botom of the page and read or try to read (without puking your guts out) at the just pure hate in that little hick town, i've been there severel time and every time i've been there it's been bad, oh and by the way don't go to the sun news forums for the sun news in myrtle beach sc if you think lynchburg's bad myrtle beach is worse.

[schoolboi]

Sidhe,

As a resident of Lynchburg I would like to say that many of us are very proud of our “little hick town”. I am a local youth minister and openly gay. In the years that I have lived here I have never been personally attacked for my sexual orientation by anyone in the city. Most people are actually quite accepting. No matter where you are there will always be someone who is hateful and offensive. While Lynchburg might not be a gay mecca we still hold our own.

[keltic63]

Ok, I read some of the responses, and yes, there is some hatred there. What stands out to me is not so much the hatred, but the ignorance. They do not understand that being lgbt is not a choice, and not a lifestyle. One of the posts says that he? has gay friends but they don't shove it in his face. Perhaps they know better than to do that if they don't want to lose his friendship. He (Guru) obviously doesn't know those people very well or he would not have said the following phrases: "life they choose to live" or "You do not see hetro people going around marketing their lifestyle."
of course we don't "see" hetero people marketing their lifestyle because it's not viewed as a lifestyle choice for them, AND more importantly, our society is saturated with hetero marketing.

as far as Falwell and the Equality Ride is concerned, it almost sounds like Jerry has thrown down the gauntlet.

[Vanessa White]

Just a quick note: in my child welfare training in Phila. yesterday, one of the hardest topics for people to embrace/realize the importance was the idea of heterosexism. Most of the persons in the group I believe were heterosexual, but they do not see the idea of heterosexual priviledge, and end up thinking of gay persons "we don't have to know your private business" and ignore the fact that we are all just bombarded with pretty exclusively heterosexual messages. Interesting dialogue.

[Zerbie]

How simple it can sometimes be. . .

My dad was vaguely, theoretically anti-gay just by knee-jerk conditioning, and it mostly disappeared all in a moment, years ago. We were somehow on the subject of gay people and dad mentioned there was a gay guy at work, who was "a good guy" except that he kept "flaunting it." So I asked my dad to give me an example of flaunting. Dad said, "Well, sometimes he mentions his partner during conversation."

I said, "Dad, you ever mention Mom when you talk at work?" He said Of course all the time. I said, "Then you're flaunting it. No different than that gay guy."

Dad looked annoyed and took in a breath as if to argue, then stopped abruptly and laughed. "Oh! Hahaha. I never thought of it that way. It IS the same."

Dad was more at ease after that. So sometimes, it really is simple.

The question becomes, is there a way to speed up the process of "educating" the public?

[Emproph]

I got this in my e-mail recently.

Not having any agenda "dirt" on Soulforce, they made it a point to mention:
"Soulforce "stole" the idea from civil rights bus tours four decades ago."

We now have the ability to travel back in time to steal ideas. Next we'll hear that we invented Original Sin. After all it was a snake. Snake sin and Steve all start with the letter S. Snake/Steve, hint hint.. think about it...
:eek:

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0039646.cfm

[Jamie McDaniel]

I almost hate to post a link to this and I would suggest you only glance through it, but where it gets interesting is comment #37.

www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/023052.html (http://www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/023052.html)

[schoolboi]

I almost hate to post a link to this and I would suggest you only glance through it, but where it gets interesting is comment #37.

www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/023052.html (http://www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/023052.html)

Jamie,

# 37 is interesting. I know several Liberty students both gay and straight and this seems to be the thoughts of the majority. Very interesting.

On a lighter note, when I read # 50 I could hardly stop laughing.

[schoolboi]

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22798

Interesting

[Jamie McDaniel]

Campuses Brace for Soulforce
You know the one thing that I don't think I'll ever understand about media types is these sensational titles they come up with. I mean are we homosexuals here or hurricanes?

[NathanATX]

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22798

Interesting

The guy at FOF is doing something awesome... encouraging the schools to prepare by teaching their viewpoints to the students.

That's going to get a ton of young people thinking & talking about these issues.

And it's going to be incredibly powerful to speak to the exact dogmatic things that they're being taught. It's going to be very easy to bring truth to the conversation.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Christianity Today article:
Gay Rights Group Targets Christian Colleges (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/110/42.0.html)

[schoolboi]

Update on events at Regent University (http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=101047&ran=139173)

[Jamie McDaniel]

This isn't news coverage, but we've got some photos on the web now.

Photos from the Soulforce Equality Ride, March 5th - 9th, 2006 (http://www.equalityride.com/article.php?article_id=185)

[Jamie McDaniel]

Protestors Arrested at Regent University (http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=4630886&nav=ZolHbyvj)

[Venari]

These are local newscasts about the visit to Regent University by Soulforce.

In the first video is the coverage of "Day 2" when 6 people were arrested I find the comment by the school representative to be the most interesting that Soulforce is only looking for camera time and not to create a honest dialogue.

The second link is viewer feedback about the protest; the last comment is by a regent student and seems to reflect the feelings of many students at the various schools the Equality Ride is visiting.

-Venari

PS
You need to turn off your pop-up blocker to view the videos.

Protest At Regent University (http://www.wtkr.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=716860&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Protest+At+Regent+University&d1=151467&redirUrl=www.wtkr.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage)

The Rant Letting Gays Into Religious Colleges (http://www.wtkr.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=715876&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=The+Rant%21+Letting+Gays+Into+Religious+College&d1=67366&redirUrl=www.wtkr.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage)

[schoolboi]

Jonathan! You are on tv and you got arrested for Justice! you are my hero!

[Jennifer5]

After seeing the link Venari put up... it's looking to me like we may need to try and be a little more thoughtful about what we say, especially at a time like this.... may be a little more caring and a little less judging???????? I don't know, am I the only one that feels this way.... that we're not helping the matter, and maybe making things harder for the Equality Ride???

[schoolboi]

I thought the news coverage was great. If anything I believe we should escalate our language to increase the shame on institutions that discriminate against GLBT people.

One observation, it is interesting to see how the schools are framing the issue. All of them keep saying, "We have no policy that bans gays. We have a policy that bans any sexual activity outside of marriage." Another statement is, "The main goal of the Equality Ride is to gain media attention." We have heard both statements from Liberty and Regent. I'm sure that Pat and Jerry's friends in the heavily funded far right think tanks in DC had their hands in this wording. My question is how do we insure that we keep the upper hand when it comes to framing the issue?

On a different note here are a couple of letters to the editor in the local Lynchburg paper. I'm glad we have sparked dialoged in the community.

Letters to the editor for Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Lynchburg News & Advance (http://www.newsadvance.com)

It’s time to wake up, Virginia, and realize that we are in the midst of a fully-fledged civil rights movement. What further proof do we all need beyond Jerry Falwell showing his true colors as a coward and a bully by having the Equality Riders arrested last Friday?
Anyone refusing to accept that the gay rights movement is a civil rights movement at this point is either blind, truly bigoted, or a hypocrite. The biblical passages being used by the opponents of equality are no different from the biblical passages used in years past to condone slavery, segregation, and to fight against legalized interracial marriage; like these other failed efforts, using the Bible for discriminatory ends has no place in a society supposedly committed to equal treatment under the law for all its citizens.
It is my fervent hope that if the people of this country fail to do what is fair at the polls, the courts will do what is right in the end. In Virginia, we have a choice this November. Will you stand up on the side of equality and fairness when you go to the polls and vote to defeat the proposed marriage amendment, or will you cast your name alongside those of Bull Connor and George Wallace?

NATHAN VERILLA
Lynchburg

Diversity a must
I am a graduate of Liberty University and I am appalled by the recent arrests of the activists. This is proof that LU isn’t about freedom of speech, only freedom from speech that is “different” from what they want you to hear. If college is to form well-rounded individuals, then diverse points of view, whether or not you agree with them, must be presented.
I spent time in both public and Christian schools, and I had a better educational experience in the public setting because the forum for discussion was much better and non-discriminatory, contrary to what most Christian leaders want you to think.
I hope LU thinks twice before doing something like this again. It only says to the non-believers, “You are not welcome in our club if you don’t think, act, dress, look as we do.” And that’s not what Jesus admonished us to do.

SUSAN HOWARD TYREE
Winter Park, Fla.

[schoolboi]

Bus tour promotes gay rights at schools (http://www.fairviewobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060315/NEWS04/603150376/1321/MTCN06)

Lee University response to "Equality Ride" visit (http://www.hendersonvillestarnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060315/NEWS06/60314015)

[schoolboi]

Making the 'necessary trouble' on campus (http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid28010.asp)By our own Jake Reitan

[NathanATX]

Jake rocks! :)

Heck, all you folks do! :weee:

[awediot]

The one thing missing from all these media takes is that SoulForce is a Spiritual group and a number of Christians are involved. It is consistently portrayed as merely a gay rights group and the distinguishing heart and motives of the riders is forgotten. The Christian confronting Christian is a whole different, more sensitive and touching story that is being lost, indeed making them look like close minded bullies. Is this the media's doing, or has Soulforce played this aspect down, or maybe just not played it up enough?

[Jennifer5]

Jake sure knows how to say things, doesn't he.:) He always gets me to listen.

[Emproph]

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0039861.cfm

Thank you Dr. Randall Pannell (associate VP academic affairs), nothing could possibly demonstrate that you understand God’s unconditional Love better than others, than to characterize it as an “offering” to be “rescinded.”
-Does he think God came down from infinite Heaven to teach we humans how to reject others, something we have perfected on our own?

Baxter Ennis, PR for Regent. (Too many to list, but the last paragraph sums it.) I’m paraphrasing, ‘not only does Jesus love them, but we do too. But no where in the bible is homosexuality accepted.’

You’d think someone asked him:
Mr. Ennis, how can I better teach my child how to blanketly dismiss millions of first hand eye witnesses as idiots yet portray my own chosen behavior in doing so as something Jesus would do?
-So much for "Forgive those who 'trespass' against us."

It’s the same complaint we’re getting here for calling it a dialogue while at the same time calculating media attention. I don’t know how valid the complaint is, but I can honestly say that I have more respect for the Fred Phelps “God hates fags” gang/flock than I do the aforementioned. They at least have the courage to recognize how they feel and the honesty to express it without shame. They may be hypocrites about God's Love, but they are as honest as it gets when it comes to expressing their hatred.
(Edit -See post #35 Venari clarification, #36 Emproph spiritual growth)

[schoolboi]

AFA's Wildmon proposed a hypothetical tour of gay bathhouses, repeated misinformation on average gay incomes (http://mediamatters.org/items/200603160008)

Summary: In response to gay rights organization Soulforce's Equality Ride -- a bus tour aimed at confronting religious schools and military academies that ban the enrollment of GBLT students -- the American Family Association's Don Wildmon proposed his own hypothetical trip to "the homosexual bathhouses," saying, "[W]e're going to confront these people ... for what they're doing."

[NathanATX]

AFA's Wildmon proposed a hypothetical tour of gay bathhouses, repeated misinformation on average gay incomes (http://mediamatters.org/items/200603160008)

Summary: In response to gay rights organization Soulforce's Equality Ride -- a bus tour aimed at confronting religious schools and military academies that ban the enrollment of GBLT students -- the American Family Association's Don Wildmon proposed his own hypothetical trip to "the homosexual bathhouses," saying, "[W]e're going to confront these people ... for what they're doing."


As ridiculous as the article is, I actually find it very exciting. These guys are flustering. They're making fools of themselves. They are going to appeal less and less to intelligent, fair-minded Christians.

[schoolboi]

Legal Expert: Christian Schools Should Not Welcome Militant 'Gay' Activists (http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/172006e.asp)

[awediot]

If by coincidence I hadn't learned about this group from the inside out just days before the Equality ride pulled out of the station, from what one reads about it, I would agree 100% with the above link. As I mentioned earlier and in other posts, if the Christian/spiritual element driving the bus continues to be ignored, militant gay activists misusing the civil rights struggle is exactly what they look like.

[dewdrop_world]

AFA's Wildmon proposed a hypothetical tour of gay bathhouses, repeated misinformation on average gay incomes (http://mediamatters.org/items/200603160008)

Summary: In response to gay rights organization Soulforce's Equality Ride -- a bus tour aimed at confronting religious schools and military academies that ban the enrollment of GBLT students -- the American Family Association's Don Wildmon proposed his own hypothetical trip to "the homosexual bathhouses," saying, "[W]e're going to confront these people ... for what they're doing."

I would like someone to go with them and count how many times those guys have to adjust their genitalia as they get aroused by what's going on in the bathhouses. 'Cause we all know that's what would happen!

:D

hjh

[Jamie McDaniel]

As I mentioned earlier and in other posts, if the Christian/spiritual element driving the bus continues to be ignored, militant gay activists misusing the civil rights struggle is exactly what they look like.
From my mere six years of working for GLBT rights, I've come to see that any time we are assertive, any time we directly challenge the status quo, there will be this cry of "militant gay activists." I'm feeling that the degree to which the fundamentalists exclaim this is one of the best barometers that we're doing something right.

Perhaps we could do a better job of "marketing" the spirtual aspect of Soulforce. But even if Moses and the prophets came down and told hard-core fundamentalists we were people of God, I doubt whether they would currently believe. In the article that schoolboi posted, notice how they will not acknowledge us in such a way, saying:

Mat Staver, president of the Florida-based group Liberty Counsel, says Christian schools like Liberty University are willing to share the gospel message of Christ with homosexuals who are not acting confrontationally. However, he contends, Christian schools have no obligation to welcome militant homosexuals on campus.

[schoolboi]

Thanks Jamie for your post. You always have great comments. I also feel that the press we are getting (especially attack articles from the terrorist Christian right) show we are pushing the buttons that will bring change.

[Venari]

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0039861.cfm

Emproph,

I think you and I see things in a different light. Namely this section:


Baxter Ennis, director of public relations for Regent, said they hoped to turn the protest into a conversation.

"We were going out of our way to be welcoming," he said. "We had set up three separate events so that they could dialogue with our students, with our faculty and even with our university officials."

But Dr. Randall Pannell, associate vice president for academic affairs, said when the Equality Ride Web site continued to falsely claim that Regent was not open to dialogue and not intending to allow the protesters on campus, the school rescinded its offer.

"This visit would have afforded us a chance to meet them, engage them in some academic settings, listen to their perspectives and share with them our Christian biblical views," he said. "We genuinely regret that this opportunity for discussion and understanding has been lost due to Equality Ride's public misrepresentation of Regent University."

In spite of all that, Richard Lindsay, press liaison for Equality Ride, still maintained his group's intention is to work toward constructive dialogue.

"We will continue to communicate with administrators up to the last minute in attempts to clarify any points of disagreement before resorting to civil disobedience," he said. "Most of the schools on the Ride have agreed to allow us on campus to speak to their students in the spirit of free academic exchange, and we are grateful for this opportunity."

This section seems to be key to how many of the other schools are going to view the Equality Ride. Regent cooperated with the Equality Ride and opened their campus to them to dialogue, yet they continued to be smeared to the media by the Equality Ride. I will give the Equality Ride the benefit of the doubt that it was a simple oversight that they did not change the website or quit making the statement that "Regent was not open to dialogue and not intending to allow the protesters on campus." The point in this is it was an error the Equality Ride made which lead Regent to believe they were not tryly looking for a dialogue but media attention.

So my question arises is why was no apology issued to the school for the mistake and ask them to re-invite them onto campus?

Also I am confused by a statement that Richard Lindsay the press liaison for Equality Ride said; "Most of the schools on the Ride have agreed to allow us on campus to speak to their students in the spirit of free academic exchange, and we are grateful for this opportunity." Last time I looked only 8 of the 19 invited the Equality Ride onto their campus, so that actually means the MOST of the schools are not going to welcome the Equality Ride onto their campus, but yet the "press liaison" is saying the opposite ... I am not sure if I can account this statement into a simple mistake or oversight.

Others may not be as willing to over look the statement on the website as a "simple oversight" which gives credence to the idea that the Equality Ride is less about academic dialogue but more about getting media attention.

Just my two pence,
Venari

[Emproph]

I think you and I see things in a different light...
Now that I’ve read your post, the article again and thought about it some more, I see your point and I shouldn’t have missed it. So if by ‘different light’ you mean ignorant, hypocritical and supremely jaded, yes.
This section seems to be key to how many of the other schools are going to view the Equality Ride. Regent cooperated with the Equality Ride and opened their campus to them to dialogue, yet they continued to be smeared to the media by the Equality Ride. I will give the Equality Ride the benefit of the doubt that it was a simple oversight that they did not change the website or quit making the statement that "Regent was not open to dialogue and not intending to allow the protesters on campus." The point in this is it was an error the Equality Ride made which lead Regent to believe they were not truly looking for a dialogue but media attention...
-So my question arises is why was no apology issued to the school for the mistake and ask them to re-invite them onto campus?
Thanks for pointing that out. If that’s the case it’s a perfectly acceptable complaint and response on Regent’s part, especially since they made the effort to be welcoming. I would have felt the same way.

Maybe Soulforce needs a conservative Christian on staff. Come to think of it, I could use one too every time I’m watching religious shows on TV or surfing the net for “how to combat anti-gay bigotry.” I’ve grown so distrustful I’m falling into the same trap of judgement without merit that I accuse “them” of.

“See things in a different light” That’s too funny (polite). Had it been me responding, the post probably would have started out something like: Emproph you ignorant bastard, how dare you assu..... :D

So I appreciate it Venari. The clarification and the respectful way you delivered it. Thanks. :)

[schoolboi]

Uninvited guests
How hospitable should Christian campuses be to visitors who oppose their beliefs? (http://www.worldmag.com/articles/11581)

Look friends I'm in the pic in the article! This was taken last year at the Liberty action.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Equality Riders Arrested At Oral Roberts University (http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/03/032006ride.htm)

[NathanATX]

More ORU news...
http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=100880

http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3320騪

[schoolboi]

Opening the Door in the Name of Tolerance (http://www.americanvision.org/articlearchive/03-21-06.asp)

This article is not specifically about the equality ride, but I think it is a response to the ride. Interesting.

[schoolboi]

MTV NEWS (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526733/20060321/index.jhtml?headlines=true) Looks great!

[schoolboi]

Editorial: Love, Respect and Soulforce (http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/58997)

[schoolboi]

Letters to the editor for Thursday, March 23, 2006
Lynchburg News & Advance

Marriage is sacred
I am curious as to why anyone would refer to the gay rights movement as being a civil right? Those who choose a homosexual lifestyle are claiming discrimination - discrimination because they are not allowed to marry each other and therefore get all the allowances given to married couples, such as medical insurance coverage.
Homosexuality is the practice of immodest, unusual sex between two males or two females.
Marriage has always been defined as a holy union between a man and a woman. Marriage involves the hopeful possibility of creating children between the two of them. Marriage has always been a part of religion.
So when people like Jerry Falwell decide they do not want Soulforce or Equality Riders coming on the campus, it is not because they reject these human beings, it is because of the mission of these groups - to make moral teaching institutions look immoral.
This country was based on Christian teachings and morals. God was placed in forefront and immortalized in public monuments and displays. That we have passively sat by and watched our society’s morals decay is truly tragic.

KATHLEEN HAMILTON
Appomattox

Bible lessons
I wonder why it is that Soulforce is trying to force their beliefs and opinions on those at Christian colleges and universities? If people would read the Bible for what is says, not what they wish it would say, they would then understand the position of Christians on homosexuality and sexual promiscuity.
As for the letter from Mr. Varilla, he says if I don’t vote the way he thinks I should vote, I am therefore intolerant and bigoted. But he is intolerant and bigoted against others’ beliefs and viewpoints, obviously. Sounds like the old proverbial pot calling the kettle black.

ROSE JAMISON-KLOUS
Lynchburg

[schoolboi]

Editorial
Our inevitable conflict with the homosexual lobby (http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/5648.article)
By JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor Florida Baptist Witness
Published March 23, 2006

[schoolboi]

Gay Rights Group "Soulforce" to Visit BYU to Protest (http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/59044)
By John Hyde - 24 Mar 2006 BYU NewsNet

I love this quote:

“It’s a testament to the academic freedom on BYU’s campus,” Herrin said. “And in the end, we can disagree on doctrine, but we don’t need to disagree on dialogue.”

You go Haven!

[Venari]

CCCU Statement on the SoulForce Equality Ride (http://www.cccu.org/news/contentID.56,childContentID.73/default.asp)

In reading press releases and statements from Soulfroce and the Equality Ride there seems to be the impression the CCCU, The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, endorses or supported the Equality Ride.

Yet, here from the horses’ mouth we see that is not the case. Raises the question of what else has been misrepresented by the Equality Ride. Could this by the schools are not trusting the riders and allowing them onto our campuses?

Also in a recent statement by Jacob Reitan he calls North Central University "decidedly unchristian" (http://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_2219.php) in a fundraiser for the Equality Ride... interesting tactic to insult the very foundation of someone, the students and the administration as a whole, you seek dialogue with.

Just my two pence,
Venari

[Venari]

Gay rights group rallies at Liberty University (http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS%2FMGArticle%2FSLS_BasicArt icle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031782354999&path=!news!localnews)

Its interesting how were not hearing much discussion over the visit to Liberty last year. How Jerry Falwell welcomed the Equality Ride to Liberty University under the condition that no flyers or pamphlets are handed out, something they require of all outside groups visiting campus. Other then the one restriction they Equality Riders were allowed to meet and discuss with students. The funny thing is Jerry Falwell supported this dialogue.

So why was Falwell so opposed to the group returning this year? Is it because he’s "anti-gay;" well, maybe. But the reason appears to be in how Jacob Reitan decides to go against the agreement they had with the school and return with books and fliers, 10th paragraph down.

From this action it seems that Jerry, and maybe other schools, have learned not to trust Soulforce or the Equality Ride to abide by any agreement there may be made. So from previous actions how can anyone of the school expect Soulforce to uphold any agreement that is made?

Just two more pence,
Venari

[Steven E. Webster]

Friends,

It appears that Abilene Christian University is responding to the Equality Ride in a good way. It might be instructive to compare the interaction with this University and the others being visited.

http://www.acuoptimist.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/03/24/44240aacddfc7

I'd like to know what Venari thinks of this. Why couldn't other schools follow Abilene's example? --We should maybe wait, though, until the Equality Ride visit is over there, and see if it works out as well as it seems it might.

Steven E. Webster

[Venari]

I'd like to know what Venari thinks of this. Why couldn't other schools follow Abilene's example? --We should maybe wait, though, until the Equality Ride visit is over there, and see if it works out as well as it seems it might.

Key differences are Jacob has not accused Abilene of being "decidedly unchristian" or based on the statement of one of a few people made statements about the school and its policies without approaching the school for clarification.

We are in completely different situations. I have been called unchristian, my friends and family at my school have been accused of things that have never occurred and painted my school and faith in a terrible light. So I ask, what reason do I have to trust the Equality Ride?

-Venari

[schoolboi]

Christians from all denominational and theological backgrounds make statements about what they feel are “unchristian” ideas and practices all the time. I am a born again Holy Ghost filled Christian, but most of the staff at North Central would say that I am “unchristian”. What Jake is doing is turning the tables prophetically and saying to them what you are doing to God’s gay kids is unchristian. I would actually go father then Jake has and say that what they are doing to God’s gay children is the work of the spirit of antichrist. It is ungodly, shameful, horrendous, and inexcusable.

In regard to going “against the agreement they had with the school”, we never had any “agreement” with Liberty. The school simply said you can come on if you don’t bring literature. So we came on campus and met with students. We never told the school that we would not bring on literature we simply said we are coming on campus now and we do not have any literature with us. While there we felt that we should leave campus and bring the literature back with us. We told the school we are now going to come on campus and pass out literature. The school said no again. So we went home. It’s as simple as that.

Now if you want to talk about going back on a promise, let’s talk about Jerry Falwell. In 1999 Soulforce met publicly with Jerry. We discussed the issue of homosexuality openly with him and his friends. At that meeting Falwell promised to “tone down” his anti gay rhetoric. Within just a few months after the event Falwell was at it again with even worse rhetoric then before.

The truth is: God’ loves his Gay Lesbian Bisexual, and Transgender children just the way we are. Anything less then that must be met with relentless resistance.

[Venari]

I am a born again Holy Ghost filled Christian, but most of the staff at North Central would say that I am “unchristian”.

Do you know any of the staff at NCU or any of the students? Then your statements they would call you "unchristian" is a prejudiced view, yes prejudiced as you a passing judgment on a group of people you do not know. In fact I know may professors, the ones who teach, who are in opposition to the administration over this issue... but I guess it easier to lump us all together and give us all the same generic label.

What Jake is doing is turning the tables prophetically and saying to them what you are doing to God’s gay kids is unchristian. I would actually go father then Jake has and say that what they are doing to God’s gay children is the work of the spirit of antichrist. It is ungodly, shameful, horrendous, and inexcusable.

Once again, proof? Does Jacob personally know anyone from NCU? And what exactly do we do to Gods gay children? I know as one of Gods gay children that I am shown abundant love by fellow student and staff. I am free to talk to any of professor about my sexual feeling and know I will be heard out. I do know I am expected not to enter into a sexual relationship with anyone, male or female. So where is your proof, or is it more of the same prejudice against people you do not know?


In regard to going “against the agreement they had with the school”, we never had any “agreement” with Liberty. The school simply said you can come on if you don’t bring literature. So we came on campus and met with students. We never told the school that we would not bring on literature we simply said we are coming on campus now and we do not have any literature with us. While there we felt that we should leave campus and bring the literature back with us. We told the school we are now going to come on campus and pass out literature. The school said no again. So we went home. It’s as simple as that.

You many not know much about contractual law. But if someone verbally offers you an "condition" and you follow though it is considered an agreement equal to a contract. So, when Liberty asked you not to come with literature and you complied you agreed with what they asked and entered an "agreement." The fact that you would flaunt it back to their face after you got what you wanted only testifies to your character and the fact you would justify it as not really an agreement only further testifies there is no basis to trust your motives.


Now if you want to talk about going back on a promise, let’s talk about Jerry Falwell. In 1999 Soulforce met publicly with Jerry. We discussed the issue of homosexuality openly with him and his friends. At that meeting Falwell promised to “tone down” his anti gay rhetoric. Within just a few months after the event Falwell was at it again with even worse rhetoric then before.

The truth is: God’ loves his Gay Lesbian Bisexual, and Transgender children just the way we are. Anything less then that must be met with relentless resistance.

Apples and oranges. Jerry offered the best he could in his best good faith and you attack versus attempt to help correct what you really desired. I guess it is easier to complain verses take meaningful action.

-Venari

[Venari]

And I do apologize for sounding offensive. But for the first time here after the Lavender article do I feel a deep and personal attack against my very foundation of who I am and what I believe… and I know may AG people feel the same.

-Venari

[schoolboi]

and I know may AG people feel the same.

I gave 20 years of my life to the Assemblies of God. My family is still apart of the denomination. I do not confront it from the outside. It is my heritage. I plan to expand later when I have more time to write.

[Venari]

I gave 20 years of my life to the Assemblies of God. My family is still apart of the denomination. I do not confront it from the outside. It is my heritage. I plan to expand later when I have more time to write.

Schoolbi,

Then I hope we can relate on the issue, that I am on the inside and I am trying to bring the inside to the edges where they will see, if not hear, groups like Soulforce. So they will know they are not just part of the "homosexual agenda" but real people. But when a foundation is shaken the edges are the least secure and people go back to the center where they are safe.

Which brings me to my point. I strongly disagree with the tactics Jacob uses, but I strongly support the message of Soulforce. Which creates a problem that how do I support an ideology when the spokesperson seems bent on insulting the very group I am trying to assist in bringing to him to hear what he has to say.

-Venari

[keltic63]

Schoolbi,

Then I hope we can relate on the issue, that I am on the inside and I am trying to bring the inside to the edges where they will see, if not hear, groups like Soulforce. So they will know they are not just part of the "homosexual agenda" but real people. But when a foundation is shaken the edges are the least secure and people go back to the center where they are safe.

Which brings me to my point. I strongly disagree with the tactics Jacob uses, but I strongly support the message of Soulforce. Which creates a problem that how do I support an ideology when the spokesperson seems bent on insulting the very group I am trying to assist in bringing to him to hear what he has to say.

-Venari

Venari,
like schoolboi, the AoG is the denomination that I grew up in, and my parents still are members. I have worked as a music director for 2 separate AoG churches, and one independent Charismatic church. I understand what goes on behind closed doors in those churches. I am sure that there are many others in similar situations, many glbt people have walked away from the church because they know firsthand how hurtful christians (all christians, not singling out AoG here) can be.

I hear your frustration, I hear that you feel insulted, I won't answer for Jacob. What I will say is this: homosexuals have suffered, and continue to suffer insults by the words of christian leaders. I saw a posting by a minister recently that said gays are promiscuous. That is so unfair on so many levels. I am in a commited relationship, WE are not promiscuous. both sides seem to have a hard time saying what needs to be said without hurting each other. On the other hand, lgbt people are learning to stand up and say "these things that are said about us are not true." It is the courage to stand up to the lies that seems to be causing so much trouble.

[Joe Brummer]

Here are some interesting misquotes and quips from the blog world....

http://exodus.blogs.com/liveoutloud/2006/03/christian_unive.html

http://www.exgaywatch.com/blog/archives/2006/03/exodus_excommun.html

[Jamie McDaniel]

The Equality Ride in Newsweek (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12011435/site/newsweek/)

[closetcougar]

http://newsnet.byu.edu/section.cfm/opinion

[schoolboi]

Opinion piece from a paper in an OKC suburb. Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/local_story_088213323.html?keyword=topstory)

[pnggrad79]

I don't know, I have a mixed opinion. I read all the coverage and the comments all the way from Falwell to Regent Univ. In my view, what the Equality Rides try to accomplish is awareness of the obvious and egregious bigotry that exists in this country, and is really no different in purpose and origin as the civil rights protests in the 60's. I think it was very brave and daring for a black person to sit in a white only diner and "flaunt" their need for acceptance. In my view, sometimes it is necessary to stir up the status quo to get people to get out of their comfort zone and listen to the voices of people that SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PROTEST FOR THEIR RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, we need to not be quiet. Yeah, we need to confront tyranny. Yeah, we need to be out in front, asking why?. For years, we have had to hide in closets, never talk about it, living in fear of someone finding out. Enough is enough. It would suit the people of this country just fine if their homosexuals would just learn to live with the status quo. Well, status quo is not good enough anymore. It isn't good enough when we can't marry the one we love. It isn't good enough, when we can't go home because we have been kicked out because we're gay. It isn't good enough, when we have to hide behind a fascade of "straight".

Yeah, it may make some people uncomfortable. But you know what, Jesus did, too. He made the Pharisees very uncomfortable and many towns wouldn't let him in either. Jesus' message wasn't necessarily all peaches and cream, He tore down the walls of our misconceptions, our fears, our prejudices, and then died for us in spite of all our misunderstandings.

I guess I don't have mixed opinions after all-I say to the Equality Riders- keep knocking down the walls. Keep giving us a voice. And above all, thank you.:)

[pnggrad79]

I hope it posts, but probably won't. I wrote a reply to Anita Fish's article to the religion editor dhartman@edmondsun.com. She said that Soulforce tweaked Scripture and hoped the public wouldn't notice. I said Soulforce didn't tweak anything-they just stood up for the rights denied us by this country. :rolleyes:

[schoolboi]

To Be Gay...and Christian? Mel White's Bizarre Campaign (http://www.fireinmybones.com/)
A prominent gay activist is taking his Equality Ride campaign to America's Christian campuses—to call for schools to change their policies on homosexuality.

At one time in his career, Mel White served as a ghostwriter for the most influential Christian leaders in the country including Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and Billy Graham. At the same time he was working for these evangelical institutions, White—who was married with two children—struggled with his sexuality.

He finally decided to divorce his wife and enter into a gay relationship, a process he described as “taking the first steps toward integrity” in his 1994 biography Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America.

Today, White and his partner, Gary Nixon, are waging a propaganda war from their California headquarters. They want America’s Christian college students to embrace homosexuality as a normal lifestyle.

White’s campaign is called the Equality Ride, and it is driven by an organization he founded called Soulforce. The campaign involves 35 young adults who began a national tour of 19 Christian colleges and universities on March 10, including a number of Pentecostal schools. The activists have already stopped at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., (where school officials and police barred them from the campus) and at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., (where riders were denied a public forum).

On March 31, Soulforce planned to stage a protest outside the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities convention in Dallas. And riders will stop at North Central Bible College, an Assemblies of God school in Minneapolis, on April 17.

Soulforce’s goal is clearly stated on its Web site: “Never before have young activists banded together to challenge homophobia at the institutions that are largely responsible for GLBT discrimination.” (GLBT, by the way, stands for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.)

Soulforce has employed intriguing tactics to get out their message. At Lee University, they scheduled a concert with the pop group Jason and DeMarco. The musical duo includes Jason Warner, a Lee graduate who freely talks about his Pentecostal upbringing. He and his partner DeMarco DeCiccio have appeared on the cover of the gay magazine Advocate and have performed at numerous pro-gay events including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Awards.

Get the message? “You can be gay and Pentecostal! Come join us!”

White and his young disciples have targeted Christian schools because they don’t tolerate homosexual behavior. Haven Herrin, co-director of the event, told Charisma: “We do not question a private institution’s right to choose to enforce a discriminatory policy. Making these choices is fully within a school’s right, but we do see the choice to discriminate as a decision with moral weight.”

That is a slick argument. Soulforce uses terms such as “rights,” “discrimination” and “moral” to twist reality. Wrong becomes right. Right becomes wrong. A lot of Americans fall for that kind of doublespeak.

Thankfully, administrators on these campuses have been gracious in their dealings with Soulforce. At Azusa Pacific University, officials allowed the protesters a limited time for discussion and then used the dialogue to reinforce their conservative position. Nobody threw rocks or hurled epithets—which would have only created sympathy for the Soulforce riders.

Officials at Wheaton College in Illinois told Charisma that they will host a forum on homosexuality. They will then use the platform to stress “why Wheaton’s stance will not change from the historical stance of the church,” said campus spokesperson Tiffany Self.

Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., said the Soulforce riders will not be welcome on his campus, and he accused them of not acting in good faith. Soulforce, he said, “is simply trying to use such encounters on Christian college campuses as a media attraction and for their ultimate purpose of fundraising.”

How should we respond? These gay young people don’t need to be vilified, and campus officials are smart to avoid ugly confrontations. If anything, we should use this as an opportunity to demonstrate that Christians don’t hate gay people because, after all, many Christians have struggled themselves with that sin—and found grace to overcome it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

But we also need to make it clear to Mel White that he is fighting a losing battle. I can say this with authority because I have two daughters who attend a Pentecostal college in Georgia. Nobody is going to impose immoral standards on my kids while I’m paying their tuition.

Earth to Mel White: Christians are not going to rewrite the Bible or our campus moral guidelines just because you decided one day that it was “a step toward integrity” to leave your wife for a man. Shame on you for luring impressionable young adults into this deception.
J. Lee Grady is the editor of Charisma and an award-winning journalist.

[schoolboi]

Lynchburg News & Advance
April 1, 2006

While homosexuals are endorsed by the mainstream media and liberals of the day, those who disagree with this lifestyle are labeled homophobics and treated as if they are the ones who should be in hiding.
According to Corey Hildebaugh’s letter of March 10, Jerry Falwell is the sinner, while homosexuals are holy. It’s not enough for those who approve of homosexuality to have the practice legalized, they want to turn religion on its head by forcing the church to subscribe to that which is contrary to Biblical doctrine. So, who’s doing the hijacking here?
To pretend that evil is good and that Biblical Scripture, hence God, condones of homosexuality is immoral and offensive. It is socially destructive, contrary to human nature, and against the law of God. Homophobia by its very definition implies that those who are opposed to homosexuality are afraid of it. Not so. They simply oppose it and make no apologies for doing so. This opposition does not include nor condone violence.
Isaiah and Paul warned of days to come when evil would be paraded as good and good as evil. The ethical ideals of our society have become so warped that moral vice is openly defended against virtue.
Shame and sin can only be defined by God. Homosexuality is contrary to Scripture, and there is no way to speak of any kind of acceptable or “Christian” homosexuality.
Paul also says in Romans Chapter 1 that a society which approves of homosexuality will be “given over to their reprobate minds.” In short, if men persist in such activity, God will simply leave them to themselves.
Our love for God and our obedience to him must supersede all other loves and loyalties.
So the real menace of society is not those who oppose immorality, but those who promote it.
LINDA VAN TASSELL
Rustburg

[Jamie McDaniel]

I was watching Eyes on the Prize a while back and what struck me was the historical footage and newspaper clippings of politicians, preachers, and religious people speaking without the slightest reservation, and in plain view, against equality for black Americans. Today, such statements would only be presented in the public square by someone looking to immediately send their political or ministerial career into a death spiral. But 40 years ago, there they were, out in the open.

Now thanks to the Internet, every one of these anti-gay articles can be found and saved. And I do want us to save every last one of them. Forty years from now when our Eyes on the Prize is in the nation's libraries, I want the next generation of Americans to know exactly who it was who said these things.

[Jennifer5]

I agree with you Jamie...

[themattperry]

Jamie,

I think I see where you are coming from, and I certainly feel the same way sometimes. However, I hope that we can achieve reconciliation, repentance and forgiveness with eachother. Perhaps if the people who say stuff nowadays become enthusiastic participants in justice one day and join us in supporting what is right, then there will be no need to dredge up old articles. This is my vision at least ... a grand one I know.

[Jamie McDaniel]

...I hope that we can achieve reconciliation, repentance and forgiveness with each other. Perhaps if the people who say stuff nowadays become enthusiastic participants in justice one day and join us in supporting what is right, then there will be no need to dredge up old articles. This is my vision at least ... a grand one I know.
And a good vision it is, Matt! :tup: Thanks for reminding me. I guess I wouldn't be too thrilled myself if every thing I said and wrote in the past was dredged up.

I agree, I went too far with my comment. Still, I do think that power should be kept from those who have a long past of siding with injustice. And America and the church both suffer from amnesia when it comes to keeping tabs on that.

[themattperry]

Jamie --

I definitely agree ... and I think sometimes I am a bit idealistic about things, which is probably why I'm not a frontline activist.

-Matt

[schoolboi]

Being Christian and Gay Aren't at Odds, Group Says (http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-ride5apr05,1,3443579.story?ctrack=1&cset=true)

[Jennifer5]

Being Christian and Gay Aren't at Odds, Group Says
I had just read that... I liked most of it... but didn't care for that ending.... but people are listening:D we have a pretty good start, I think;)

[closetcougar]

This is an article covering the church services yesterday in Provo at the SF BYU stop. It was a great experience. The article, although surprisingly ... not negative, is pretty superficial. Haven is an incredible person and has such calmness and peace about her. Many of use are still in the bitter and cynical phase, but she seems to realize that that approach will do no good.

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/174388/