Dear Brother & Sister in Christ,
I just became aware of the story of a young man at your university who was confronted with a printout from his myspace.com profile that identified him as a gay man. He was summarily expelled from your school.
How does his expulsion fit in with the message of Christ? Does that kind of action rise to the standard of "loving your neighbor?" I don't believe it does.
I believe such an action is tremendously damaging. This young man is now experiencing incredible trauma at the hands of your school's administration, people who SAY they are committed to be like Christ, simply because he is gay.
Don't you believe God loves gay people?
What do you think this young man's response to such a violent action is going to be? Do you think this is going to compel him to become straight? Do you think this action communicates God's love to him?
As someone who has been through a similar violent experience, I am very aware of the possible effects of such trauma.
- Fear that God doesn't love him
- A stark sense of alone-ness in the world
- Grief and depression at the loss of relationships and a sense of one's place in the world
- Becoming angry at God, church & anyone who is religious
- Greatly diminished self-worth and the subsequent risky behavior... drinking too much, using drugs, promiscuity...
- Suicide
The only result of such an action is to cause harm. My prayer for him is that he will surround himself with people that will speak the truth about who he is and who God created him to be. My prayer is that the impact of the violence your university has inflicted on him will be lessened because of people taking a strong stand of love & support for him.
My prayer for you, as a part of this University, is that you would realize what a great sin has been committed against this child of God in the name of Jesus. My prayer is that you will not be silent in the face of spiritual violence. My prayer is that you will be led by the love of God in spite of your uncertainties and questions about sexuality.
My prayer is for reconciliation. Please join me in this prayer.
Sincerely,
Nate Black
www.nateblack.us