homosexuality – Houghton STAR

Last summer, on June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into a law a piece of legislation banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” in regions or areas exposed to minors. Article 6.21 reads as follows:

“Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors: 1. Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors expressed in distribution of information that is aimed at the formation among minors of nontraditional sexual attitudes, attractiveness of nontraditional sexual relations, misperceptions of the social equivalence of traditional and nontraditional sexual relations, or enforcing information about nontraditional sexual relations that evokes interest to such relations, if these actions do not constitute a criminal offence, – is punishable by an administrative fine for citizens in the amount of four thousand to five thousand rubles.”

This move sparked an outcry from activists and organizations both inside and outside of Russia. In the United States in particular, many urban bars and clubs began refusing to sell Russian vodka as a protest against the discrimination happening on the other side of the world. More public figures–Tilda Swinton, Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Stephen Fry, and others–raised their voices in protest of Russia hosting an Olympic event meant to “unite the world.”

After calls for a boycott of the Sochi games seemed to fade into the background, attention turned instead to the Obama administration and whether or not the United States would make a statement regarding President Putin’s anti-LGBTQ stance. Months later President Obama’s office published the list of his hand-selected delegation to be sent to Sochi to represent the United State’s government. Topping the list were former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Ambassador Michael McFaul, White House aide Rob Nabors, and two openly gay American Olympic Champions – two-time ice-hockey gold medalist Caitlin Cahow, and 1988 figure skating gold medalist Brian Boitano. In a recent interview Boitano informed USA Today, “Everyone knows why we’re here. We’ve made it obvious and quite public as to why Caitlin and I are supporting the delegation and are here. I think Russians know that and I think Americans know that and we’re proud to come from a country who supports tolerance and diversity and we stand strong.”

Since the Olympic Games began last week, other international athletes have voiced their opinions about Putin’s continued stance against gay rights in the face of Western opposition. “Homosexuality is not propaganda,” writes New Zealand Olympian Blake Skjellerup, “Anyone, no matter their sexuality, religion, or race, can play sports. One facet of who you are does not make you a weaker athlete. Being proud of who you are, and representing that makes you a stronger athlete, and the Olympic Games should be actioned in a place that provides that safety and opportunity.”

Putin, however, staunchly continues to defend the law he signed into effect. In his State of the Nation address this past December, two months before the opening ceremony in Sochi, Putin attacked the “norms of morality” of the West. “This destruction of traditional values from above not only entails negative consequences for society, but is also inherently anti-democratic because it is based on an abstract notion and runs counter to the will of the majority of people,” he said. As the games continue to unfold, it is predicted that athletes of multiple countries will pursue gestures of tolerance, bearing little regard for Putin’s disdain.

Faculty Attend Wesleyan Transgender Conference

On January 24, 2014 representatives from Houghton College, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University were invited to attend a meeting at the Wesleyan Church Headquarters, in Indianapolis, IN, to look over a draft policy statement on the issue of transgender.

Representatives from each college typically consisted of an administrator and a theologian. It was decided that Dr. Richard Eckley, professor of theology and an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, and Dr. Robert Pool, Vice President for Student Life, would be the two representatives for Houghton. The group of representatives was called together by the Church even though the policy had already been through the denomination’s general board “to further review the issue,” as Eckley explained.

“I was hoping to help my denomination think through the foundational areas necessary for making a sound pastoral approach to this issue. The homosexual question has been addressed by all with little common ground,” said Eckley.

Eckley described the trip as “a meeting of representatives of the

Wesleyan Church’s colleges/universities to look over a draft policy statement on the issue of transgender.” A total of eight people were present at the meeting, each being given the policy draft ahead of time to be looked over prior to the start of the meeting.

Eckley expressed, “The transgendered person is a part of our churches, and therefore is more than a topic; it is a question about how the Church gives hospitality to the people that make up her congregation.” At a time when transgender is a delicate topic, especially in the church, the policy is aimed to be a guideline to create a careful balance of honoring scripture, but also to know how to pastor and show love and support to people going through questions of expression.

“The policy statement is shaping up to be a kind of ‘middle way’ approach,” said Eckley. Eckley explained how the Church seems to be taking a traditional approach to the Biblical, theological, and scientific research, while also not forgetting the importance of pastoral guidance in churches and learning communities.

“If there’s a singular thing I learned, its try to be more Christ-like. More clear on what the scripture says and doesn’t say, and not to be afraid to honor the scripture,” said Pool. “I want any student to be able to come here and thrive.”

A second motivation for the policy, and reason for the meeting is guidance for the possibility of future ligation on the subject of hiring in Christian colleges and universities. In the past Christian institutions have faced legal disputes on the matter of transgender faculty. The idea is to prevent schools without a policy from being in a bad position to have a clear response in these cases. “Of course, as a theologian, I am not that excited about documents drawn up primarily for lawyers,” Eckley joked.

It is clear that the completion of the policy will not fix all problems, but it is definitely a start, as Eckley referred to the meeting as “an attempt to refrain from judgmentalism and to offer understanding and compassion to those struggling with sexual identity dysphoria.” The college has taken a big step towards making the campus a place that welcomes all people, and with the policy colleges can have a consistent approach on doing so.

The final draft will be ratified within the next few weeks, where once completed, can be viewed online at the Wesleyan Church website.

Apart from the policy being put together by the Wesleyan Church, Houghton College had also begun to create a pastoral letter on homosexuality for its campus. The letter will aim to show how “as a community Houghton can help, support, and pastor those with same sex attraction,” explained Pool.