THE ADMINISTRATION HAS OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO NEW POLICIES THAT PROTECT OUR LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS!! THIS IS A MASSIVE VICTORY FOR EVERYONE WHO REFUSED TO STAY SILENT. STAY ALERT AND KEEP HOLDING THE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTABLE TO THESE PROMISES!!!
May 22, 2021
Final supporters
Lee University recently clarified its stance on Biblical marriage and the need for repentance. During a livestreamed chapel service on March 11, President Mark Walker reiterated the beliefs of the Church of God and Lee University as outlined in the Community Covenant: that “homosexual behavior” is prohibited by Scripture.
President Walker declared the chapel service a Family Meeting “to work out differences.” However, the statements made during this service were and are harmful to queer students: their mental and emotional health; their physical safety; their relationship with the college, the church, and their peers; and their academic success. Lee University has a duty to care for students’ safety and wellbeing, and so we ask that the administration consider the reality of being an LGBTQIA+ student:
- 11-22% of students on Christian campuses identify as non-heterosexual (as reported in Inside Higher Ed, 2021)
- One in six adults in Generation Z identify as LGBT (Gallup, 2021)
- 59% of LGBTQ+ people identified themselves as spiritual and followers of a faith; 48% of those identified as Christian (Pew Research Center, 2015)
- 8.3% of LGBTQ youth between 19-24 reported attempting suicide in the last year (Trevor Project, 2021)
The Family Meeting continues, this time with the inclusion of our voices. To current LGBTQIA+ students at Lee University: you do not need to repent for who you are. You were created to reflect the Divine Image of God, and the Holy Spirit invites you to live joyfully as your full self. You belong at Lee University, in the church, and at the communion table, just as you are. You already fully embody the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Jesus declares that to inherit eternal life, you must love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. As yourself - which includes your sexual orientation. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Not Lee University and its administration, not the Church of God, and certainly not who you love and who you are.
The pain that exists in this moment will not last forever. There is life after Lee, and our lives as queer alums are evidence that it gets better. After graduation, your path may lead you away from organized religion altogether, or toward affirming religious communities, or somewhere in the vast in-between. Wherever you go, know that we go with you. We’ve got you covered.
For more information on affirming theology and denominations, mental health resources, and to connect with the Affirming Alum Collective, please visit: affirmingalum.com.
Sources:
“Estimate of How Often LGBTQ Youth Attempt Suicide in the U.S.” The Trevor Project. 11 March 2021.
Redden, Elizabeth. “Being LGBTQ+ on a Christian Campus.” Inside Higher Ed. 15 March 2021.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
March 19, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
March 16, 2021
174 Comments
I'm the granddaughter of Dr. Robert O'Bannon after whom the O'Bannon dorm is named. My entire family has an extensive history at Lee University, and I stand firmly against the cruelty of your words and the hatred with which you speak them. This is not how Christians should behave.
I left the Church of God because of the lack of support and their stance on LGBTQIA+ community. I am Gay and used to want to attend Lee, but didn’t because of the fear of having to hide myself. I am a Child of God!!!! The Bible doesn’t teach against LGBTQIA+ relationships at all!!!
Class of '05, employee for ten years. It is no longer enough (nor was it ever) to offer support behind closed doors while creating policy that fails to acknowledge and celebrate the image of Christ in all students.
I am signing, but I want to make clear that this isn't just about Lee policy. Lee is acting in accordance with the doctrine of the Church of God. This means that Lee would either need to divorce from the denomination, or the CoG will reform for change to be possible.
I met my wife at Lee University. Our relationship was the best thing to come from Lee. While I don't want anyone to go through what we did, I'm grateful she and I share this history so, together, we can process the trauma Lee University caused us. We've been happily married for 10 years.
Everyone should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I used to be a member of the Church of God, but would no longer be accepted there as I am now living my truth as out gay man who is very happily married. I want to see future generations not have to experience the trauma that I experienced by denying my very identity and sense of self to “fit in”. That leaves you with scars you carry for the rest of your life.
All are created in the image of God including lgbtq children
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THE ADMINISTRATION HAS OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO NEW POLICIES THAT PROTECT OUR LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS!! THIS IS A MASSIVE VICTORY FOR EVERYONE WHO REFUSED TO STAY SILENT. STAY ALERT AND KEEP HOLDING THE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTABLE TO THESE PROMISES!!!
May 22, 2021
Final supporters
Lee University recently clarified its stance on Biblical marriage and the need for repentance. During a livestreamed chapel service on March 11, President Mark Walker reiterated the beliefs of the Church of God and Lee University as outlined in the Community Covenant: that “homosexual behavior” is prohibited by Scripture.
President Walker declared the chapel service a Family Meeting “to work out differences.” However, the statements made during this service were and are harmful to queer students: their mental and emotional health; their physical safety; their relationship with the college, the church, and their peers; and their academic success. Lee University has a duty to care for students’ safety and wellbeing, and so we ask that the administration consider the reality of being an LGBTQIA+ student:
- 11-22% of students on Christian campuses identify as non-heterosexual (as reported in Inside Higher Ed, 2021)
- One in six adults in Generation Z identify as LGBT (Gallup, 2021)
- 59% of LGBTQ+ people identified themselves as spiritual and followers of a faith; 48% of those identified as Christian (Pew Research Center, 2015)
- 8.3% of LGBTQ youth between 19-24 reported attempting suicide in the last year (Trevor Project, 2021)
The Family Meeting continues, this time with the inclusion of our voices. To current LGBTQIA+ students at Lee University: you do not need to repent for who you are. You were created to reflect the Divine Image of God, and the Holy Spirit invites you to live joyfully as your full self. You belong at Lee University, in the church, and at the communion table, just as you are. You already fully embody the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Jesus declares that to inherit eternal life, you must love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. As yourself - which includes your sexual orientation. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Not Lee University and its administration, not the Church of God, and certainly not who you love and who you are.
The pain that exists in this moment will not last forever. There is life after Lee, and our lives as queer alums are evidence that it gets better. After graduation, your path may lead you away from organized religion altogether, or toward affirming religious communities, or somewhere in the vast in-between. Wherever you go, know that we go with you. We’ve got you covered.
For more information on affirming theology and denominations, mental health resources, and to connect with the Affirming Alum Collective, please visit: affirmingalum.com.
Sources:
“Estimate of How Often LGBTQ Youth Attempt Suicide in the U.S.” The Trevor Project. 11 March 2021.
Redden, Elizabeth. “Being LGBTQ+ on a Christian Campus.” Inside Higher Ed. 15 March 2021.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
March 19, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
March 16, 2021
174 Comments
2008/2010 Grad, former worship leader for Alternative Chapel, former LUCC Counselor. Please fully include/celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Lee family. To all under this umbrella, you are loved, and you are worthy. Just as you are.
I'm the granddaughter of Dr. Robert O'Bannon after whom the O'Bannon dorm is named. My entire family has an extensive history at Lee University, and I stand firmly against the cruelty of your words and the hatred with which you speak them. This is not how Christians should behave.
I left the Church of God because of the lack of support and their stance on LGBTQIA+ community. I am Gay and used to want to attend Lee, but didn’t because of the fear of having to hide myself. I am a Child of God!!!! The Bible doesn’t teach against LGBTQIA+ relationships at all!!!
Class of '05, employee for ten years. It is no longer enough (nor was it ever) to offer support behind closed doors while creating policy that fails to acknowledge and celebrate the image of Christ in all students.
I am signing, but I want to make clear that this isn't just about Lee policy. Lee is acting in accordance with the doctrine of the Church of God. This means that Lee would either need to divorce from the denomination, or the CoG will reform for change to be possible.
I met my wife at Lee University. Our relationship was the best thing to come from Lee. While I don't want anyone to go through what we did, I'm grateful she and I share this history so, together, we can process the trauma Lee University caused us. We've been happily married for 10 years.
Everyone should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I used to be a member of the Church of God, but would no longer be accepted there as I am now living my truth as out gay man who is very happily married. I want to see future generations not have to experience the trauma that I experienced by denying my very identity and sense of self to “fit in”. That leaves you with scars you carry for the rest of your life.
All are created in the image of God including lgbtq children
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2008/2010 Grad, former worship leader for Alternative Chapel, former LUCC Counselor. Please fully include/celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Lee family. To all under this umbrella, you are loved, and you are worthy. Just as you are.