Christians, gays hold summit at UW-Whitewater
WHITEWATER — Kelly Reynolds and Laura Steigerwald might disagree about a lot of things, but they agree on one thing—they want to learn about and respect people who are different from them.
That was the goal of a movie and panel discussion hosted by Impact, a group for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual students and their allies at UW-Whitewater.
The group met with members of Campus Crusade for Christ and other students Wednesday for a discussion about homosexuality and Christianity.
"There's this separation between homosexuals and Christians, and that's why we responded to the invitation" from Impact, said Reynolds, 23, West Allis, a member of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Students from Impact and Crusade say there has always been tension between groups that support homosexuality, such as Impact, and those that think homosexuality is a sin, such as Crusade.
But the situation came to a head earlier this month when a Milwaukee-based group, Faithful Soldiers, arrived on campus to preach about sin and sexuality. The group's message created hostility among people with different views on homosexuality, Reynolds said.
Impact organized a showing of "For the Bible Tells Me So," a documentary that suggests people have misinterpreted the Bible to say it condemns homosexuality. Afterward, it held a panel discussion with people of various opinions, moderated by a local clergyman.
"I think it's important to at least be educated and know what the opinions are," said Maggie Augustin, 22, Janesville. Augustin is a lesbian, Christian and Impact member.
Campus Crusade for Christ was the only Christian group to accept Impact's invitation, Steigerwald, 29, Brookfield, said.
"Hopefully in the future we can hold more events and foster a relationship," she said.
Crusade members said the same.
"Our main objective is to build a bridge between the Christian group and the homosexual (support) group," said Jordan Shimon, 21, Waukesha.
Even though Crusade as a group believes homosexuality is wrong, members wanted to have a friendly dialogue with people who disagree. They also wanted to tell homosexuals that Christians don't condemn them, said Derek Pratt, 21, Milton.
"My goal … is to show with actions that Christians and homosexuals can be friends," he said. "The message of Jesus Christ is one of love, not of condemnation."
Sometimes Steigerwald, a lesbian, is wary of meeting Christians because she assumes they're against her, she said.
She hopes to overcome that feeling with events such as Wednesday's discussion, she said.
"We can all live together and respect and tolerate each other," she said. "A mutual respect of our differences and beliefs is key."
May 4, 2009 at 11:48 p.m.
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2 Corinthians 10:5
May 4, 2009 at 3:37 p.m.
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Joejack - do you every wonder why god's anger was once quenched through animal sacrifice? And how exactly does sacrificing one's son erase my sins - which makes god angry? Your story sounds made up to me.
May 4, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.
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dudefromjanesvlle:
They said the same things about black and whites. Look as us now!! : ) You see, eventually, people do realize how ridiculous it is to deny someone their unalienable rights because another feels they are living their life 'wrongly' or because they are 'different' than them. : ) Good always prevails. So...
While YOUR book may govern how you live your life, YOUR book shouldn't govern how EVERYONE lives their lives.
May 4, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.
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Bisquit5:
While you may not "parade around and put your heterosexuality on a stick", you DO have ALL of YOUR rights.
Heterosexuals are the ones making the 'big' deal out of homosexuality. Not homosexuals. If hetersexuals would stop crying "superiour" they might not see so many homosexuals "parading around with a their homosexuality on a stick" DEFENDING their rights as humans. The EQUALITY they deserve. : )
May 2, 2009 at 10:59 a.m.
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WhyThink - Your right God is angry at all of us. the bible says ALL HAVE SINNED and have fallen short of the Glory of God. Also my comment said nothing about anybody's sexual orientation so please stop being so judgmental .I did mention different sins. Yet you judged me. funny how that works. I was correcting everyone's understanding of God loving us. Having said that, God is angry and don't think for a second that he isn't. But His wrath can be turned way from us through repentance (turning from your sin) and putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
Be Holy as I am Holy! (1 Peter 1:16)
Regardless, I'm not angry with anyone, I care about all of you.I can not just say let's agree to disagree. my job is to warn you of God's standard and his coming judgment, and to pray for you. If I do neither than I am not a christian. at least a biblical christian.
May 1, 2009 at 2:35 p.m.
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I'd like to see a debate between Impact and Exodus International.
May 1, 2009 at 2:18 p.m.
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Matt - I know right? I could have totally educated the ignorant christians about their bigoted, backwards ways. Then once they realized how wrong headed and hateful they were being the two groups would have had a great time.
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Back a few years ago when people of different races wanted the right to marry I could have done the same thing with christian groups of that time. Alas my vibrant youth made that impossible.
May 1, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.
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prounion, I'm surpised that you weren't invited to the summit to bless the community with your worldly wisdom.
May 1, 2009 at 11:24 a.m.
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joejack
If we could every law in the bible literally God would be angry with all of us and you would be judging more than just gay people.
Every few years a new target emerges while all other sin is pretty much left alone. Gay couples, homosexuality just happen to be the flavor of the day for the closed-minded hateful christians.
May 1, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.
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Biscuit5
What right are you denied because of your heterosexuality?
Maybe if you were denied rights or could imagine being denied rights because of who you fell in love with you would be willing to fight for those rights. Maybe if other heterosexuals were being murdered, denied jobs, denied civil union/marriage rights, etc... you would feel differently.
Maybe if your lifestyle was labeled, "alternative" you would feel differently.
Do you have any empathy at all? OR is it all about Y O U ?
May 1, 2009 at 8:38 a.m.
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LOL - look at the christians - judge not lest thee be judged. Your imaginary friend will fade from porminance and logic, reason and reality will take its place and the human race will finally stop slaughtering itself in the name of what the majority thinks is holy.
May 1, 2009 at 8:27 a.m.
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dudefromjsvl--The "Book" also tells you not to "cast your seed upon the ground". Need I say more?
May 1, 2009 at 8:22 a.m.
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Once again "close-mindedness" is shining through and through. The article talks about coming together not ripping apart. I am not however surprised by the comments made so far. Right on huh.
May 1, 2009 at 7:03 a.m.
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If it was up to me I would put everybody in the closet.
May 1, 2009 at 6:32 a.m.
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There is no common ground, we will always be seperate. Read the Book and it will tell you its a sin.
Apr 30, 2009 at 10:37 p.m.
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Huh - "God loves us all", You broke the second commandment by making a God to suit yourself.The bible states clearly that God is angry at the wicked everyday! God is storing up wrath to be revealed on the day of wrath against those who violate His Law.
Ever lied, stolen or looked with lust than you have broken 3 other commandments. God's place for law breakers is Hell for all eternity. But there is good news, We broke God's Law and Jesus paid our fine on the cross. Repent (turn from your sin) and put your trust in Jesus Christ today. Understand that if you continue to walk in Sin you do not belong to him.
Apr 30, 2009 at 8:20 p.m.
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Anytime a straight couple goes out to dinner, walks together on a sidewalk, attends a ballgame or movie, they are "parading" their sexuality. A gay couple should be able to do exactly the same things. God loves us all or he wouldn't have made us. Now if we could only follow his example.
Apr 30, 2009 at 8:12 p.m.
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I dont have to respect,tolerate or live with homosexuality or alternate lifestyles I dont parade around and put my heterosexuality on a sign and stick it into someones face or use my sexuality as a reason to sue someone because of bias beliefs ,that being said dont bring it to my table keep your sexuality to yourself and we will get along just fine
Biscuit
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.
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It always amazes me how people that believe in the same thing believe differently about things. It doesn't amaze me that science has always prevailed, however.
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