'Equality Ride' to visit

George Fox April 5

over stance on gays

   NEWBERG — The Soul-force Equality Ride, a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and activist allies, is inclulding George Fox University in the 32 Christian colleges and universities it intends to visit nationally this spring.
    Specifically, Equality Ride participants are scheduled to arrive at George Fox’s campus in Newberg on Thursday, April 5. They are also scheduled to visit Seattle Pacific University on April 9 and 10, Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., on April 11, and Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho on April 13.
    The stated purpose of Soulforce is “freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance." The colleges on the list — including Notre Dame, Baylor and Pepperdine universities — have policies that reflect the traditional, orthodox Christian position on homosexuality.
    Last year, Equality Ride visited 19 campuses and military institutions. This spring, Soulforce is sending out two buses. George Fox, Seattle Pacific, Northwest and Northwest Nazarene are the eighth through 11th stops on the West Coast route. About 25 riders are expected.
    Brad Lau, vice president of student life at George Fox, says while the university disagrees with the group’s views on homosexuality, Equality Ride will be met with gracious hospitality: “Our goal is to engage in a civil discourse characterized by humility, love and grace, but also firmly planted in scriptural truth."
    George Fox is establishing a schedule and expectations for the visit. The schedule might include visits to select classes and meetings with administrators, faculty and student leaders. The university also might host a panel discussion with presentations by George Fox professors and Equality Ride representatives.
   “We see this as an opportunity to model to students and our community how to be Christ in the world, including civil discourse with people with whom we disagree,” Lau said. Over the last two years, the university has devoted chapels, special forums, and other events to discussing issues of sexuality, including homosexuality, from a Biblical perspective.
    Lau says he encourages university supporters to pray for the university, the Riders, and the visit.
    More information regarding the George Fox University response to Equality Ride can be viewed at equalityride.georgefox.edu.