Gay at Messiah: Part One
LGBT students discuss their views on college policy
Timothy Mackie
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: News
Although he would like to see the words "homosexual behavior" removed from the Community Covenant, Holland said he feels that doing so too soon would only serve to alienate more conservative members of the Messiah College community who have the most to gain from being exposed to the intellectual diversity that the college fosters. "The most conservative among us have the most to gain" he remarked.
Holland said that he came to Messiah College "very conservative" and that he probably would not have enrolled if the school was openly tolerant of homosexuality. His views changed over time through various interactions during his freshman year and while working as an RA in Miller his sophomore year, Holland came out as gay to his RD, Michael Warari. Later that summer, after obtaining a position as ARD of Fry Apartments, Holland came out publically through a Facebook note, although he said that his close friends and family all knew by that point. Holland is an active Episcopalian and says that while he doesn't openly broadcast his orientation at church, those who know are accepting and have in no way hindered his involvement in ministry.
According to Holland, Messiah College is unique among Christian colleges in that it prohibits homosexual behavior on paper, but in practice does not enforce the policy. He compares the college's treatment of homosexuality to its treatment of profanity, which is also technically prohibited, but almost never openly censured. This practice appeases conservatives who might otherwise refuse to associate with the school, while allowing LGBT students a wide measure of freedom. "Gay students like myself can form their own opinion without having the administration or a group of profs shove ideas down our throats" said Holland.
Although he described numerous personal altercations with other students who did not share his views, Holland described these encounters as mutually constructive. He cannot ever recall being censured or harassed for his orientation or behavior, nor can he think of any such instance involving other students. "Gay students who survive a place like Messiah College are better for it" said Holland. He said that Residence Life has been reluctant to define what exactly constitutes "homosexual behavior," although they did request that he refrain from dating while he worked as an ARD. Out of respect for his superiors, Holland honored that request.
Holland said that he came to Messiah College "very conservative" and that he probably would not have enrolled if the school was openly tolerant of homosexuality. His views changed over time through various interactions during his freshman year and while working as an RA in Miller his sophomore year, Holland came out as gay to his RD, Michael Warari. Later that summer, after obtaining a position as ARD of Fry Apartments, Holland came out publically through a Facebook note, although he said that his close friends and family all knew by that point. Holland is an active Episcopalian and says that while he doesn't openly broadcast his orientation at church, those who know are accepting and have in no way hindered his involvement in ministry.
According to Holland, Messiah College is unique among Christian colleges in that it prohibits homosexual behavior on paper, but in practice does not enforce the policy. He compares the college's treatment of homosexuality to its treatment of profanity, which is also technically prohibited, but almost never openly censured. This practice appeases conservatives who might otherwise refuse to associate with the school, while allowing LGBT students a wide measure of freedom. "Gay students like myself can form their own opinion without having the administration or a group of profs shove ideas down our throats" said Holland.
Although he described numerous personal altercations with other students who did not share his views, Holland described these encounters as mutually constructive. He cannot ever recall being censured or harassed for his orientation or behavior, nor can he think of any such instance involving other students. "Gay students who survive a place like Messiah College are better for it" said Holland. He said that Residence Life has been reluctant to define what exactly constitutes "homosexual behavior," although they did request that he refrain from dating while he worked as an ARD. Out of respect for his superiors, Holland honored that request.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
Khara H.
Khara H.
posted 11/06/08 @ 11:40 PM EST
This was a really interesting read, Tim. I'm glad you shared this story, to give the whole community a chance to see what's going on here and grapple with the issue of homosexuality on Messiah's campus. (Continued…)
Gavin Paul
Gavin Paul
posted 11/11/08 @ 3:08 AM EST
Why has this article been taken off of the front page, and been all but removed from the website? Is this censorship?
I feel like my voice is being taken away. (Continued…)
Brian Behm
posted 11/11/08 @ 1:47 PM EST
Of course they're censoring it.
Messiah always has done everything it can to bury this issue.
Thank you for shoving it into the spotlight, even if only for a minute. (Continued…)
Elizabeth Gager
posted 11/11/08 @ 2:08 PM EST
I loved this article whole-heartedly. Thank you, Tim for writing it..even if it got pushed to the side soon after. I think it did its job of bringing the issue into the light. (Continued…)
Michelle
posted 11/14/08 @ 7:22 PM EST
What is your Biblical basis for "allowing" homosexuality on campus? I've always been taught that as Christians, we are to not even have a "hint of sexual immorality"; homosexuality has been named many times in this category throughtout the Bible. (Continued…)
Khara
posted 11/14/08 @ 10:44 PM EST
Michelle, I won't say here the full extent of my views on homosexuality, because even in my own mind they are so complex I can't put them fully into words. (Continued…)
Ashley
posted 11/21/08 @ 4:22 PM EST
I found many things in this article to be very troublesome and frustrating. I agree that as followers of Christ we are called to love everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do. (Continued…)
Brian Behm
posted 11/25/08 @ 7:28 PM EST
Ashley,
I tried to post a more in-depth response but somehow it didn't post, or was deleted by the administrator. Anyway, I just wanted to try posting an important link again that you might find interesting. (Continued…)
Rev. John R. Kalis
posted 11/25/08 @ 9:05 PM EST
It is ironic that this whole dialogue is really targeted against the 'absolute' values of Christianity as found first in the character of God (He is pure and holy) and thereby reflected secondly in His Word, the Holy Bible. (Continued…)
James
posted 12/04/08 @ 10:16 AM EST
We talk about diversity for our classrooms, our student population and chapel services until we are blue in the face. I suggest that we ask for diversity in ourleadership. (Continued…)
Post a Comment