Gay-activist group Soulforce is organizing protests of Christian colleges because of their codes that forbid sexual immorality.
This is the second year in a row for the so-called "Equality Ride," and this year Soulforce plans to double its efforts. Two busloads of protesters, one for each half of the country, will target 32 Christian colleges and universities.
Brad Lau, vice president for student life at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., which is scheduled for an April 5 protest, said the activists disagree with the university's stand that God intends for sex to be in the context of marriage between one man and one woman.
"That would exclude not just homosexual practice," he said, "but adultery, premarital sex and pornography."
Lau added that while the school's lifestyle statement clearly prohibits homosexual practice, some students do struggle with same-sex attraction, and the goal is to lovingly guide them toward victory in that area of their lives.
George Fox students, faculty and staff, Lau said, are preparing to meet the riders with the love of Christ.
"While we clearly disagree," he said, "our goal is not to be mean-spirited, but to engage in a civil discourse characterized by humility, love and grace -- and also firmly planted in truth."
Phillip de Haan, director of media relations for Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., said his campus will be well prepared for an April 24 protest.
"This is the second year that we've had what we call a sexuality series, which addresses all kinds of issues, including the issue of homosexuality," he said. "That had been planned even before we knew about the Equality Ride visit."
In addition to preparing students for the inevitable discussions that will occur about God's plan for sexuality, the college is inviting protesters to the school's Sunday night worship service.
Caleb Price, gender-issues analyst at Focus on the Family, said students on campuses along the route should be prepared.
"If you see your school, or your child's school, on the Soulforce itinerary, find out how officials intend to respond," he said. "Make sure students are armed with the facts."
Activists will tell emotional stories, and they'll twist Scripture to fit their agenda, Price said.
"Students need to find out what Scripture truly says about the issue of homosexuality," he said. "They need to be ready to dispel myths -- such as that of the gay gene -- with facts."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check this list of targeted colleges. Below that you'll find resources that offer biblical context on the issue of homosexuality.
Equality Ride
West Route
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. -- March 8-9
Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis. -- March 12-13
MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kan. -- March 15-16
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah -- March 21-22
Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. -- March 26-27
San Francisco Bay Area Outreach, San Francisco, Calif. -- March 29-30
Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, Calif. -- April 1-2
George Fox University, Newberg, Ore. -- April 5
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Wash. -- April 9-10
Northwest University, Kirkland, Wash. -- April 11
Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho -- April 13
Brigham Young University - Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho -- April 16-17
Yellowstone Baptist College, Billings, Mont. -- April 19-20
Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, N.D. -- April 23
Northwestern College, St. Paul, Minn. -- April 25
Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. -- April 26
East Route
Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa -- March 8-9
Central Bible College, Springfield, Mo. -- March 12
Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Okla. -- March 14-15
Baylor University, Waco, Texas -- March 19
Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss. -- March 22
Union University, Jackson, Tenn. -- March 26
University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Ky. -- March 28
Samford University, Birmingham, Ala. -- March 30
Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Ga. -- April 2
Bob Jones University, Greenville, S.C. -- April 4
Montreat College, Montreat, N.C. -- April 10
Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, Va. -- April 12
Messiah College, Grantham, Pa. -- April 13
Gordon College, Wenham, Mass. -- April 16-17
Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio -- April 19-20
Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Mich. -- April 23
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich. -- April 24
Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. -- April 26
Resources
Stanton Jones, provost of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., prepared a response to Soulforce's arguments last year.
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Exodus International created Truth & Tolerance: A Campus Guide to Homosexuality to help campuses prepare.
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In "Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth," psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover examines recent research reported in medical journals and the popular press. He finds many of these studies flawed and cites evidence that homosexuality is indeed changeable. He explains how psychology, biology, choice and habit all interweave to produce deeply imbedded patterns of sexual behavior.
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In "Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church's Moral Debate"
Stanton L. Jones and M.A. Yarhouse discuss that liberal and conservative Christians are ignorant about scientific studies of homosexuality. Further, few understand the appropriate role of these studies in the church's ongoing moral debate. This brilliant book provides common sense, reasoned analysis and biblical wisdom for Christians who seek a clear-eyed understanding of this inflammatory issue.
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"Straight Answers: Exposing the Myths and Facts About Homosexuality"
by Mike Haley asks "Are homosexuals born gay? Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?" Discover the answers the gay community doesn't want you to find out. This booklet exposes eight of the most common myths and provides a wealth of information to equip you to help others who may be caught in the grip of homosexuality.
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In "101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality," by Mike Haley
Learn about the rhetoric surrounding the acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. Parents have children suddenly "coming out." Organizations are accused of "intolerance." And it seems that everyone agrees "It's okay to be gay." Learn how to address the issues surrounding same-sex attraction and its implications for society in this thought-provoking book by a man who's been there.
