Speaking of Compassion

This Sunday, Senators Clinton and Obama will be taking part in something called the 'Compassion Forum' at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. Ironically, Messiah College has a severe lack of compassion towards its LGBT students. The school's community covenant prohibits "homosexual behavior" and effectively bans LGBT students who are open and self affirming from attending Messiah.

Exactly a year ago to the day of the 'Compassion Forum', the Soulforce Equality Ride made a stop at Messiah College. The Equality Ride is a nation wide bus tour of LGBT and straight allied students working to end anti-gay policies on America's college campuses. It is a journey that I founded after finding that hundreds of college campuses have these discriminatory policies.

When I was an undergraduate at Northwestern University, I met a young gay man who went to Wheaton College, which counts itself among the hundreds of discriminatory colleges already mentioned. I asked him what it was like to be gay at Wheaton.

"Well, I can't come out," he responded. "If I did, the school would kick me out."

I was taken aback. "That is a horrible policy. We must try to change it," I said. What my friend said next, I was wholly unprepared to hear.

"Actually, I think it is a good policy. I think being gay is a sin."

With that, I knew there was a problem in America. This young man had been raised in a home, in a church, and in a community that had taught him to reject himself. It is for him and countless others like him that the Soulforce Equality Ride exists. We are trying to change America.

In spite of our visit last year to Messiah College, their discriminatory policies are still in place. This brings into question why Senators Obama and Clinton would agree to discuss compassion in this setting. Both Clinton and Obama speak about uniting America and both speak against the politics of fear and division. It also calls into question the judgment of the Faith in Public Life center.* Why would they select a college where gay people are not welcome to hold a discussion on issues of compassion? There are plenty of faith-based colleges to choose from. I attend one. I am a second year Masters of Theological Studies student at Harvard Divinity School.

That is what makes this situation so sad. As a person of faith and a divinity student, I believe it is important for our elected officials to take part in forums where the issues of the day are addressed through the prism of faith. Indeed, I was a big fan of the last faith forum aired on CNN. The host for that forum was the Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners. I know Rev. Wallis. He was a professor of mine at Harvard and he represents the sort of faith based politics that unites rather than divides, that seeks to widen the circle of God's grace rather than limit it.

At this late date, I highly doubt if a more suitable host for this weekend's faith forum can be picked. If the location of the forum is not changed there exists a challenge for Senators Clinton and Obama. When they speak at Messiah College this weekend they must make a choice. Will they speak out against the Messiah's policy that would bar me and countless other Americans from attending the school? Will they make clear to the American people that LGBT people are wonderfully made in the image of the Creator and loved as they are by the Creator without reservation?

When it comes to faith in America today there are few statements of faith needed as greatly as one that affirms the dignity and worth of LGBT people. As a gay man I know too many friends who have been rejected by their loved ones and too many others, who like my friend at Wheaton, have rejected themselves. Perhaps this weekend will allow these issues to take center stage. Perhaps Senators Clinton and Obama will rise to the occasion and speak out in favor of the God given equality that my LGBT brothers and sisters and I deserve. Perhaps the politics of hope and unity will give way to a religion of hope and unity as well. That is my prayer for this weekend.

* Update: I regret that I made a factual error in the original post. Faith in Public Life is NOT a program of the Center for American Progress. They are their own organization and you can learn more by visiting their website at www.faithinpubliclife.org and by emailing them to clarify their stance on anti-gay policies at college and universities at [e-mail].

Comments

[EbonBear]

The only way I can see this being bearable is if both candidates take time to lay a verbal smackdown on Messiah for it's policies.

Yeah, I know and pigs might fly...

[desmirl]

As a confirmed atheist, I find the whole religion thing no more than a way for some people to think they're better than others. I also find it odd, in a nation that calls itself a 'Christian' nation, that a sizeable portion of the population still support our war in Iraq, and justifiy it because it is against people of a different religion.

[mamamay]

Athitism has nothing to do with trying to be better than others. Many folks think because they are gay or straight, that because their skin is whiter than others, among other things makes them superior to some folks. However, the BRAIN use- the how and the not how one uses his/her brain to think through why, how come, etc of things brought forth, and the judgement placed on these type results re life may be a valid reason to gives some folks an idea that they may be better than some. Let's start using our brain, if it is not already deteriorated, to think positive about life issues. Use the heart to be compassionate, and love yourself and at least one other if you cant say it. Just do it! Leave other folks concerns re their thoughts and reaction to sexual preference to them. We must always do the right, correct and or positive thing about folks in life, young or old. Try it, you just might like it.

[uvymopkq]

From his radical stance on abortion to his prominence in the corruption scandals that has been virtually ignored by the mainstream media, Barack Obama is not fit to be Senator -- not to mention the next President of the United States.

[Chazzam]

What "radical stance on abortion"?
(Clue: being pro-choice is mainstream, not "radical")
As for the rest, I have read the so-called "scandals" and in each case Obama has appropritately adressed them. I have not seen such a consistently conscientious and cogent candidate for the office of President in my lifetime as BHO.
FYI, the use of random letters as a screen name is a typical trait of (low-) paid propagandists and misinformers.

[John]

Name some of these corruption scandals.

[LittleBrother]

When they speak at Messiah College this weekend they must make a choice. Will they speak out against the Messiah's policy that would bar me and countless other Americans from attending the school? Will they make clear to the American people that LGBT people are wonderfully made in the image of the Creator and loved as they are by the Creator without reservation?

__________­__________­__________­__________­__________­_________

The answer to the first question is "maybe", but if so, in a respectful and non-confrontational way.

The answer to the second question is easier: no way! Oh, they may each express formal, superficial support for the theoretical existence of LGBT persons, and offer vague assertions that they're fine with all that. But the best that one can expect is that neither will advocate moving LGBT people TO reservations.

I just read a report that Obama won't require Joint Chiefs of Staff nominees to support abolishing the ban on gays in the military; he MAY recommend abolishing "don't ask/don't tell"-- because it's counterproductive, not because it's intrinsically wrong on its face. This is hardly a step forward-- a step sideways, aka a sidestep, maybe.

Can't risk alienating the bigoted yahoo base, dontcha know!

[Vern58]

Barack Obama is correct. DADT is a gross failure. It has not slowed the Gay witch hunt in the services-at all..It is Clintonian window dressing. It protects nobody.It was a failure from day one.And the Witch hunt has continued unabated. He is essentially correct it is counter productive, and i find his reasoning on the issue truthful. Here is part of the interview that Barack Obama, he who does not give interviews to the Gay Media, said in The Advocate

"I would never make this a litmus test for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Obviously, there are so many issues that a member of the Joint Chiefs has to deal with, and my paramount obligation is to get the best possible people to keep America safe. But I think there’s increasing recognition within the Armed Forces that this is a counterproductive strategy -- ya know, we’re spending large sums of money to kick highly qualified gays or lesbians out of our military, some of whom possess specialties like Arab-language capabilities that we desperately need. That doesn’t make us more safe, and what I want are members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who are making decisions based on what strengthens our military and what is going to make us safer, not ideology. "

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail.asp?id=53285&page=3

[mamamay]

This forum should not be about YOU, per se. Whether these candidates support or not support to your way of thinking should not be an issue if it portrays a false illusion. What should come from a compassion speech, is how the candidates view will or will not enhance the in play benefits that have at least some perts for folks attending this college. The college should not deny any student based on his sexual preference. He/she should be admitted by the given gender on the application. Neithert of these candidates should be trying to gain brownie pts by saying what he/she thinks the student just WANTS to hear for a vote. Among this group, Hil may have more experience in reaching the Women, but I don't think she will influence the males. The rights available to gay folks should become the main Issues as he/she as Pres will be willing to embrace and support. This will be the type of compassion results these students are looking for. They are not interested in What faith Hil or Obama
is, or up front will they bring the troops home, it's rather will they be able to STAY in school? Be real.

[hinnis]

OBAMA’S ANTI-GAY SUPPORTERS
http://tinyurl.com/423etc
http://tinyurl.com/2w3rcj
http://tinyurl.com/2m57sv

[TinaFreeman]

According to the Christian scriptures (note: I am a Christian) there was only one man who ever walked the earth who lived without sin.

And the people crucified Him.

Homosexuals cannot be rejected, they are God's children too. But neither can the Christian church say that homosexual activities are not sinful, when the Bible is very clear on this. I think it is a very difficult issue to deal with for the church.

That being said, the Bible also says "ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God." "There is none righteous, no, not one."

We are all human. The best we can do is follow Jesus as a role model for compassion, and love for our fellow man. This was the central tenet of His teachings on earth.

[xdevildawg4u]

Sorry Ms. Freeman but the scriptures are not NEARLY as clear on this issue as you claim. That is if you listen to the actual Biblical/Talmud SCHOLARS instead of the average preacher. You know, the ones who also claim that the world was literally created in six days six to ten thousand years ago; the ones that CORRECTLY state that the Bible/Torah supports slavery and the oppression of women; and the ones who want to hold gay people to Levitical purity laws while eating their shrimp and catfish dinner wearing their cotton wool blend sweater on their way to a good ole game of pig skin.

From what ever religious background you come, your self-righteousness, cloaked in compassion, is just as insulting as the fundamentalists'.

[TinaFreeman]

I am sorry, I have expressed myself poorly, I had no intention to offend. I am not amongst the enemy on this one.

[TinaFreeman]

By the way, how does saying we are all sinners, including myself, make me self-righteous?

Confusing.

This is why this is such a hard topic to talk about...no wonder we can't get a dialogue going on it.

[stupidme]

Will Elton be with Hillary when she appears this Sunday?

[mamamay]

Did you know Elton had a fundraiser for Hil, Bil and Chel to the tune of 2.5 Mil in PA.? This was good but volumes are spoken here on this. T hat's why folks should be honest about what th ey are trying to portray themselves as. I am an old lady, yes, but, I am not so dumb to not know either, that birds of a feather flock together. How is that for compassion?

[formerprof]

Jacob, perhaps you should forward your very relevant and compassionate question to Campbell Brown so that she can get the reaction of both candidates.

[elbzee]

Whoa, hold up. I have a problem with the phrase, “faith based politics.” When, exactly, did we as a nation decide we no longer wanted a division between church and state? I simply don’t recall that announcement.

I wholeheartedly support same sex marriage and believe that one’s sexual preference­s/practice­s are their own personal business and no one else’s. (Please take note msm I do not wish to read, hear, or watch stories about politicians/ celebrities/whackos sexual exploits. Sexuality is a personal thing. PERIOD. No one has the right to tell another adult how to conduct their consensual personal life. PERIOD.

[NappyRoots100]

This is unacceptable! How can these candidates do this? I am so disappoint­ed...Obama even gave a speech at an event with African Americans and confronted the audience on their homophobia. Clinton has been heralded by some in the gay community for her support of the issues that confront them. For the two of them to be at this college is a smack in the face of equality.

[wmfor]

No. It is not.

You simply cannot say that a candidate who speaks to and courts the vote of an individual or group is supporting every single position of that group.

Both candidates have made their positions on gay rights quite clear, and sometimes to unsympathetic audiences. But snubbing those who do not agree with every them on every point is not the way to win an election. "Everyone but me and thee..." is not the foundation of democracy.

And yes, I am gay, so this is an important issue to me. But not important enough for me to increase the chances of a John Sidney (whichever the way the wind blows) McCain Presidency.

[NappyRoots100]

Yes, you can speak to those who disagree with you, but this just wreaks of inconsistency. The school puts people out because they are gay? WTF is that about? BTW I would never vote for McCain over something like this...It is just that this situation is extremely disappointing. It makes me wonder about their stand on gay rights, just more political expediency I guess.

[gonavy]

Compassion? They could have shown a little compassion and showed up to the Medal of Honor ceremony for Michael Monsoor.

[Dap]

Seeing hat your comment is without ruth, I would say, stop speaking to things that you do not comprehend.

[cleveyucks]

An obvious T totaler!

[Caringthinkingperson]

This is so sad to me. The hypocracy is endless. Christian ministers can cheat on their wives for years subjecting them to HIV-Aids or venereal diseases, and it OK as long as they publicly repent. Openly virginal Christian youths can take abstinence pledges that result in all forms of sodomy and oral sex as alternatives, but it is overlooked as the birth canal is kept pure. All of these sins seen as forgivable because they are "straight". Jesus would be turning over in his grave had he not ascended.

[4wehttam]

Jacob, have you contacted the Obama and Clinton campaign to ask them if they know about such policies? I don't know if the campaigns would check every single policy for this school given it's name and the basis for the meeting, a "Compassion Forum."

I do agree with you that IF they DO know about it, but would be the right thing to do to speak out against it. Equality for all is what America is supposed to represent.

[mommadona]

I can guarantee you their campaigns know EXACTLY what they are doing.

LGBT take note - these people will not now nor ever 'feel your pain' or go into any sort of process to change this sorry fact.

They don't want to 'go there'....­nada/nix/n­on....

Welcome to the NEW Democratic Party - you know.....Pay up, don't ask, sit down, shut up and hold on.
'

[mbaty]

Isn't it amazing that just "being" something can be a sin? You don't even have to do anything, just be yourself and that's a sin. I went to a Christian college and graduated before coming out. So many of us wrestle with denial and false guilt for far too long. Living a lie is certainly not easy, and it's definitely not spiritual.