I’m proud to say that a recent news article has left me feeling very good about the educational heritage I have through my alma mater, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and it’s sister schools. Specifically, MidAmerican Nazarene University in Olathe, KS has made me proud.
Olathe, Kansas–During a day and a half of meetings with a group of gay-rights activists traveling the country to battle discrimination on college campuses, MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) accomplished its goal of communicating the love of Christ to its visitors without approving of the lifestyle they have chosen.
The gist is that a gay-rights group called Soulforce, travels by bus to various Christian campuses in order to have a discussion and point out the faults of the way most “Christians” handle gays and the homosexual lifestyle. After being blocked and having arrests made at other schools like Notre Dame and Wisconsin Lutheran, MNU chose a different approach and welcomed the group with open arms.
“We viewed this as an opportunity to listen to where they’re coming from and share the love of God with them,” said April Hansen, MNU’s director of public information and on-site coordinator for the visit. “We disagree, but there’s no reason to be afraid to talk to each other, to dialogue, and express Christ’s love, even in our disagreement.”?
And there was a much different response from the Soulforce group as well.
“When you told us you were offering Christ’s love to us and that you wanted to listen to us, we kept waiting for you to say, ‘but?.’ and then share your condemnation,” the Rider said. “You didn’t do that. Thank you.”
and
One of the Equality Riders wrote in his blog after the visit, “I know many, if not most, of the students differ with us in their views on homosexuality, but we were able to share fellowship. They truly modeled a Christlike response.”
Imagine that, inviting dialogue and having respect for others as individuals. Seems like that’s exactly what Jesus did. Nobody was condoning or approving of the lifestyle, but they also weren’t doing any more damage by erecting walls and harsh feeling between members of both groups either. Thank you MidAmerican Nazarene University for making me proud.
I totally agree with you (I handle PR for MVNU). In fact, I emailed April Hansen (PR) at MidAmerica to give her kudos for how the university handled itself. Thanks to their administration too. They are an example to all CCCU institutions. I believe Northwest Naz may be on their agenda to visit sometime in April. Be praying for them as well that they may have the same impact.
right on.
Thanks for sharing that post…hopefully, the church itself might begin to follow suit!