The first week of April is Pride Week at Penn State.  It’s the week that GLBTA people shine the spotlight on pride for their own community and (hopefully) educate the rest of the community in the process.  Since my involvement in National Coming Out Week last semester, I’ve been given the opportunity to join the planning committee for this week of events,  but with almost a month to go before things start up, there’s already controversy brewing.

One of the kick-off events for Pride Week is a commitment ceremony that is to be held on campus and officiated by the mayor of State College, Bill Welch. A half dozen gay and lesbian couples will be given the chance to publicly declare their commitment to their partners and the whole town is invited to witness it.  Unfortunately, in less than a week after it was announced, a local church took up their positions to stand against the event.  (I guess they didn’t read my most recent blog entry!)  By appealing to both the mayor to refrain from participating and PSU to remove the ceremony from school grounds, they have begun a petition for help and hope to stop what they see as “a step toward gay marriage.”

Initially, I was thrilled.  I love a good conflict and one that contains the elements of faith and sexuality is right up my alley.  I began planning my counter-response in favor of gay marriage and the misinterpretation of scripture.  I was ready to explain how homosexuality isn’t a choice and it can’t be changed just because they think it’s wrong…

I’m glad I didn’t go with my first reaction.

While Faith Baptist Church is stirring up a political retaliation to the celebration, it’s missing the point that nothing political is intended here.  The intention is an expression of love… nothing more.

This has been on my heart a lot in the few days since it’s been all over the news, particularly for the couples involved the people that are getting caught up in the political frenzy of the thing.  Finally, yesterday I contacted Tom, in charge of planning the event, and told him I want to do more.  I want to let people understand that the prejudice being shown by some Christians is not shared by all Christians.  As part of “doing more,” I’ve begun the process of contacting area religious organizations to see if we would be able to find support among them.  The following is an excerpt of my email and a clearer explanation of how I feel:

I'm writing today because I'm a part of the planning committee for the upcoming Commitment Ceremony at Penn State that's been in the news so much the last week.  As one of the Christians actually involved with it, it was embarrassing to acknowledge that those who would see us fail are doing so under the banner of Christ.  I've been asked by those involved with the ceremony to help contact area religious groups to see if we can find anyone willing to vocally support the commitment ceremony next month - recognizing that it's not advocating for gay marriage or even acceptance of homosexuality - rather it's merely recognizing two people's right to publicly declare their commitment to one another.

Because it's Christians who are stirring things up, I think our strongest allies would be Christians who stand behind us, and this is what I'm asking you to do.  I realize it's probably not a decision you can make alone and it will impact more than just your church, but if you would be willing to stand with us in favor of allowing these couples to commit their love to one another, it would speak volumes to those who think that Christianity cannot reconcile itself to effectively loving the homosexual community without trying to change them.

Perhaps for one day people will be able to look past the politics and see the people.