NEWS RELEASE
SOULFORCE EQUALITY RIDE TO VISIT PATRICK HENRY COLLEGE
– Equality Loudoun invites opposing sides to reception for dialogue, reconciliation –
(Leesburg, VA 5 April, 2007) — Equality Loudoun reported today that the Soulforce Equality Ride is planning a visit to the campus of Patrick Henry College in Purcellville on Thursday, April 12. Patrick Henry, like many Christian colleges, enforces a strict code of conduct that bans the enrollment of openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. The Soulforce Equality Riders are a diverse group of young adults, many of them gay and allied evangelical Christians who are alumni of such schools, on a two month tour of colleges during which they hope to initiate honest dialogue about faith and sexuality.
Robin Reynolds, the Equality Ride coordinator of the Patrick Henry visit, has been in contact with the school’s administration hoping to arrange a structured opportunity for dialogue. Although this has happened at some of the other schools on the tour, the administration at Patrick Henry has so far not extended such an invitation. The Riders will continue seeking ways to engage the students, faculty and administration in honest, open conversation, Reynolds said.
“Sexual orientation has nothing to do with a person’s religious faith or upbringing. Whether or not the administration knows it, there are students at Patrick Henry who are keeping a terrifying secret.” said Equality Loudoun president David Weintraub. “All that the Equality Riders are asking for is an opportunity to testify to the harm done to them by the message that they are broken and unworthy because of who they are.”
Following a breakfast hosted by a Purcellville family, the Equality Ride bus will arrive at the Patrick Henry campus for a press conference at 10:15 am.
“I am a child of God who loves God, and I now know that God loves me just as I am and welcomes me to the table,” said Reynolds. “It’s critical that the students at schools like Patrick Henry hear that affirming message ““ that we are all welcome at God’s table.”
Even if the college refuses to engage in dialogue, Equality Loudoun is welcoming both the Equality Riders and the Patrick Henry College community to an evening reception at The White Palace Restaurant.
“For so many in the gay community, Christianity has come to represent nothing but hatred and condemnation. For many of the Patrick Henry students, it seems that they’ve only been exposed to the idea that gay people are evil and dangerous,” said Weintraub. “We have our work cut out for us to just be able to look at each other, face to face, as fellow human beings, and have a conversation. If we can make that happen even for a few individuals, that’s a start.”
“The ability to engage the world in debate requires us to truly listen and consider the opinions of others, while never compromising our commitment to God and His Word” – from the mission of Patrick Henry College
The reception is free and open to all, and will include a presentation by the Equality Riders about their experiences.
7:00 pm
The White Palace Restaurant
101 N 21st Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
Hi – I AM a PHC student, I found this article through google alerts about my school. How is SoulForce planning on coming to our school if the administration basically has the school on lockdown to prevent any outside visitors from entering that day? They REALLY don’t want you guys on our campus. How are you planning on contacting students? No one would even dare talk to you out of fear we’d be kicked out or scorned by our administration. Also, I guarantee you that no ‘sexually confused’ students will show up at the White Palace out of fear that the press would snap a picture of them…
Wow, Peter, thanks for your comment. I’m really sorry to hear that they’re treating you that way. Have they actually threatened students with expulsion if they talk to the Equality Riders?
As for the reception, we expect people from different perspectives to be there. We’ve made a point of inviting local pastors who take theological positions on human sexuality similar to what you’re being taught at PHC, because open and honest conversation requires that all voices be welcome at the table.
“All that the Equality Riders are asking for is an opportunity to testify to the harm done to them by the message that they are broken and unworthy because of who they are.”
David, we are ALL broken and unworthy because of who we are. That is why we need GRACE.
“I am a child of God who loves God, and I now know that God loves me just as I am and welcomes me to the table,” said Reynolds. “It’s critical that the students at schools like Patrick Henry hear that affirming message ““ that we are all welcome at God’s table.”
We ARE all welcome, but our sins are not. In the parable of the wedding feast, when those invited did not come, the Master had his servants go out and invite everyone. But one man came who had not changed for the feast, and he was thrown out. Everyone is invited, but it is NOT a come-as-you-are party.
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Peter,
How long, have you been attending PHC? I was the admissions counselor last year and your name didn’t come up. In fact, I challenge you to prove that you are really a student. You’re comments are not in line with nor representative of what I know of the school and the students.
-John
Jack,
You are truly welcome to share those thoughts at the reception Thursday night; that’s what it’s for. You interpret Scripture one way, while others have different interpretations, but we are all part of the human family. Let’s share a meal and talk together.
How can you be sure that the real sin isn’t failing to hear and learn from people like the Equality Riders? How can you be sure that they were not created with a purpose unknown to you?
While you’re worrying about other people’s souls, you might consider Mr. Farris’ – when a stranger knocks on your door requesting hospitality, you really don’t know who it is.
John,
To be fair, there’s no proof that you are who you say, either, which is the nature of this medium. Judging from the press release posted on the PHC website and the other communications, it does appear that the college is trying to intimidate the students and prevent them from having any contact with the Equality Riders so that they can decide for themselves what to think.
Do you know otherwise? Refusing to host a dialogue on campus is one thing; threatening the students and treating them as untrustworthy children takes things to an entirely different level.
Update: “Peter”‘s ISP is indeed Patrick Henry College. One can hardly blame him for using a pseudonym under the circumstances.
David:
Thanks for the invite, but if it is this Thursday, the 12th, I’m already booked. (Cub Scout Roundtable.)
I am sure they WERE created for some purpose unknown to me. However, for all you know, the group could have been created by the Great Tempter, too.
Who is Mr. Farris?
Ok, maybe next time. Have fun with the Scouts. Mike Farris is the founder and former president of Patrick Henry, and seems to be the force behind all this lockdown business.
This is all up to God, not you or me – or, as a very wise young woman recently told me, “God is the decider.”
Onward Christian Soldiers!
Cathryn,
We are happy to help in any way we can. Thank you for being so supportive of your son in this justice and reconciliation work. He’s part of an amazing, courageous group of young people. It’s been a long day, and we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation over dinner tonight.
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