Friday, May 13, 2011

Wheaton College Alumni Group Supports Gay Students

A new group of Wheaton College alumni, known as OneWheaton, recently circulated a letter on the Wheaton College campus "affirming the full dignity of every human being regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity." According to the OneWheaton Web site, the group is made up of "alumni young and old, men and women, LGBTQ and straight allies, all connected by a desire to support students who feel isolated during their time at Wheaton College."

Speaking to students who are struggling with their sexual identity, the letter that was circulated outlines the group's belief that, "your sexual identity is not a tragic sign of the sinful nature of the world. You are not tragic. Your desire for companionship, intimacy and love is not shameful. It is to be affirmed and celebrated just as you are to be affirmed and celebrated." A press release on the OneWheaton site states, "We do not believe there is anything wrong with being gay. We don't just believe otherwise, we live happily, and even faithfully, otherwise."

In response to OneWheaton, Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College sent out an email that reaffirms the school's commitment to "loving our neighbors as ourselves" and the LGBT's group's message of "the full humanity and dignity of every human being. While we recognize that Wheaton's stance may be unsatisfying to some of our alumni, we remain resolved to respond with truth and grace," wrote Ryken. According to The Christian Post, "Wheaton College takes the position that homosexual relations is a sin but that Christians should love those struggling with same-sex attraction instead of judging or ostracizing them."

(from FotF's Pastor's Weekly Briefing)

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