Greetings! As we begin 2015, OneEastern has admittedly been quiet for a while. Part of the reason for this is to allow some space for the many meetings and discussions (on various levels) that have taken and are taking place, following the letter to President Obama that Dr. Duffett signed. A number of discussions have occurred, some of which have been encouraging, and some of which have served as reminders of how much work there is still to be done in order for everyone in the Eastern community to be truly safe and protected.
One of the developments of the last several months was the establishment, by Dr. Duffett, of the Task Force on Human Sexuality. Part of the task force’s charge is to develop “a dialogue process that engages the entire Eastern University community in conversation on human sexuality in all its facets.” In working towards this charge, the task force has scheduled a calendar of events this semester that seek to foster dialogue in all areas of human sexuality and its intersection with Christianity. Various groups are hosting these events, and OneEastern is pleased to be hosting a two-part event with Dr. David Gushee, an evangelical ethicist and the author of Changing Our Mind: A call from America’s leading evangelical ethics scholar for full acceptance of LGBT Christians in the Church.
Part one of the event will take place on Thursday, March 26, from 7-8:30PM in McInnis Auditorium and will focus on Dr. Gushee’s personal journey to his call for the full acceptance of LGBT Christians in the Church. The second part of the event will take place the next morning, Friday, March 27, at 10AM in McInnis Auditorium as part of the weekly Windows on the World presentation; this part of the presentation will focus more on biblical, ethical, and theological issues.
All of the events are open to the entire Eastern University community, and I urge our OneEastern community to attend these events; especially, the session with Dr. Gushee. The full calendar of events is included at the end of this post.
Concerns have been raised by a number of people in regard to the task force, and even relating to these conversations. I understand these concerns; I even share some of them. Nonetheless, while the process may not be perfect, I do believe that these conversations would not have been possible just a short time ago. I am hopeful that these conversations may lead to true change and protection at Eastern University for all community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Please join with me in prayer that these conversations may lead to God’s love and justice emerging in a new way at Eastern University.
Peace & blessings,
Ryan Paetzold
Founder & Executive Director, OneEastern