OBU declines Equality Ride
Shelly Teague
Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: News
On Nov. 5, the Soulforce Equality Ride - a national organization looking to open a dialogue about homosexuality and religious oppression - will visit Ouachita Baptist University.
"Every day, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people suffer harassment, violence and discrimination at the hands of those who do not understand them," the Soulforce Web site states.
The Soulforce vision statement is "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance," according to the site.
Members of Soulforce go into their mission starting at what they believe is the root of the problem: religious intolerance.
The group claims that the chief source of spiritual violence and propaganda against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals comes from religious leaders, institutions and churches that hold fast to rigid religious studies and teachings used to condemn and shame homosexuals.
As a team, Soulforce has developed the Equality Ride, a traveling forum that gives people, especially young adults, the opportunity to address issues of sexuality and religion. It allows emerging young leaders to unite in the struggle for common equality.
A group of riders consisting of 18 people get on a bus and set out across the country to numerous colleges. Through conversations, Soulforce explores concepts of diversity, comparing different viewpoints that people have.
They share their insights about how beliefs influence culture, and therefore ultimately impacting society. The goal is to, as a group, cautiously examine the point where faith meets sexuality.
"It gives people the chance to get together and talk in a safe environment," said Adam Britt, Henderson alumnus and former Equality Ride participant.
Such discussion plays an essential role in creating a safe learning and living environment for everyone, said Britt.
"Every day, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people suffer harassment, violence and discrimination at the hands of those who do not understand them," the Soulforce Web site states.
The Soulforce vision statement is "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance," according to the site.
Members of Soulforce go into their mission starting at what they believe is the root of the problem: religious intolerance.
The group claims that the chief source of spiritual violence and propaganda against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals comes from religious leaders, institutions and churches that hold fast to rigid religious studies and teachings used to condemn and shame homosexuals.
As a team, Soulforce has developed the Equality Ride, a traveling forum that gives people, especially young adults, the opportunity to address issues of sexuality and religion. It allows emerging young leaders to unite in the struggle for common equality.
A group of riders consisting of 18 people get on a bus and set out across the country to numerous colleges. Through conversations, Soulforce explores concepts of diversity, comparing different viewpoints that people have.
They share their insights about how beliefs influence culture, and therefore ultimately impacting society. The goal is to, as a group, cautiously examine the point where faith meets sexuality.
"It gives people the chance to get together and talk in a safe environment," said Adam Britt, Henderson alumnus and former Equality Ride participant.
Such discussion plays an essential role in creating a safe learning and living environment for everyone, said Britt.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
sunnyfl
posted 10/21/08 @ 9:18 PM CST
I didn't think that at this stage in the game there would be any therapists to whom bisexuality is nothing more than a transition stage, but she said, 'Well, based on my past experience with my bi clients that's my feeling, yeah. (Continued…)
Amanda Rhea
posted 11/04/08 @ 5:04 PM CST
OBU has designated the Hammons House area, behind the Jones Performing Arts Center parking lot, as the area in which the Equality Riders will be permitted to gather from 10:30 a. (Continued…)
Post a Comment