Hope is ready, indeed

From an anonymous source:

Hope is ready. Hope is ready to have the freedom to express themselves. Hope is ready to finally see the light at the end of tunnel. Hope is ready to be able to walk hand in hand with your same sex partner on campus. Hope is ready to go to sleep at night and not worried if you are going to lose your job because you came an ally the day before. Hope is ready to never hear from your pastor that homosexuality is a sin. Hope is ready to never live in a fear. Hope is ready to finally be able to come out of the closest without fearing the consequences. Hope is ready to have the rainbow flag flying next to the American flag in front of the campus. And finally hope is ready to accept that God made us this way, this is who we are, and that we can not change our orientation and identity--but Hope is ready to change.

This is might a far fetched dream to most people but we can make this a reality not only for Hope but for Christian colleges across the country.

We must never give up.

A Revolution in Michigan

Before leaving, lots of people asked me "Why are you going to Michigan?" My response was, "Michigan is the only place to be right now." I believe that more every day that I am here. I wondered if I was speaking in hyperbole, I do not think I am. There is truly a revolution underway at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Students are coming together in bold & dynamic ways--queer and straight alike. They are not just talking about justice for LBGT people but also talking about the ways in which they carry privilege and what else needs to happen in Holland and in their own lives.

The path is not clear. Pointed letters to the editor fill the newspaper while queer students face increasing harassment. Tensions are running high.  A recent chapel sermon at Hope accused petitioners to the Board, seeking to remove the anti-homosexuality statement--many of whom are Hope students and/or members of the RCA--of selling their spiritual birthright. Yesterday's sermon at the affirming Hope Church shattered a theology of "who is in vs who is out" and replaced it with a theology of "what is in vs what is out." Exclusion is out. Violence is out. Looking at the communion table, the pastor choked up as he wished for healing and unity amongst all people.

The school accused students and alumni of "ambush journalism" while supporters of equality work every day, amidst final exams and papers, to stand in the way of forces which oppress.

The powers and principalities are coming to a head in Holland, Michigan. This is the stuff of life.

Announcing Our YouTube Collaboration Project

Today we kick off the Sanctuary Collective YouTube Collaboration! Each week, participants of Sanctuary Collective will create videos to share with you and with each other. For the first week, we're doing introductions and then we'll jump with more meaty (or veggie!) content next week.  Check out the first video, featuring yours truly.

Refuge Needs Your Help!

To recap the situation: Refuge is the LGBTQ and ally students' safe space at Eastern University, a Christian college outside of Philadelphia. Last month, the student government voted almost unanimously for Refuge to be recognized, the administration didn't feel comfortable with that decision, and formed a committee basically to determine whether to uphold the students' decision. Refuge leadership went before this committee yesterday, and it did not go well.

So now they're asking folks to write letters in support of Refuge's place on campus (from anyone and everyone - yes, you!), and send them to either Bettie Ann Brigham or Daryl Hawkins in student development at 1300 Eagle Road, St Davids, PA 19087 - the sooner the better!

Please help if you can - it's so important for students to have this safe space on campus to be their authentic selves.

Making History

On Monday morning this week, the Student Government at Eastern University voted for Refuge to become an official, school-sanctioned club on campus.

The vote was 11 Yes, ZERO No, and 4 Abstained.

As I've written before, I personally have a lot invested in the success of Refuge, and I am so very proud of the students Sanctuary Collective has been supporting there. They're celebrating their success tonight, and it's a well-deserved celebration!

My alma mater is one step closer to being a safe place for LGBTQ people to study and thrive in community. Take heart from your successes, friends, and keep up the good work.