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Editorial:
Christ-like response
set for visitors
George Fox University appears to be taking a Christ-like posture as it prepares for a visit by pro-homosexual activists.
As outlined in our Page 1 story, the gay-activist group Soulforce is organizing protests of Christian colleges and universities because of their codes that forbid sexual immorality. This is the second year in a row for the group’s “Equality Ride,” and this year Soulforce is doubling its efforts. Two busloads of protesters, one for each half of the country, are targeting 32 Christian colleges and universities, including several here in the Northwest. George Fox is scheduled to be visited April 5.
Homosexuality is a “hot button” issue known to generate a lot of emotion, but George Fox is responding with both firmness and compassion, as we believe Jesus would. The university aims to engage in what Brad Lau, vice president of student life, termed “a civil discourse characterized by humility, love and grace, but also firmly planted in scriptural truth.” The university is clearly reaffirming its position that God intends for sex only in the context of marriage between one man and one woman.
Tentative plans call for Equality Ride members to be welcomed onto campus for visits to select classes and meetings with administrators, faculty and student leaders. There also might be a panel discussion with presentations by both George Fox professors and Equality Ride representatives.
Chances are that few people’s minds on either side will change as a result of the events of April 5, but the university is at least allowing mature, frank communication to take place between people with strongly held, but opposing, viewpoints.
And that’s desirable. Last year, at least one Christian university in the Midwest kept the Equality Ride activists out of all campus buildings, reportedly posting security guards at every doorway. We think that was a big mistake, as it did nothing to convey Christ’s love — which is extended to Equality Ride members as much as anyone.
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