Soulforce visits Spring Arbor
Off-campus visit requested by students
Laniaya Alesia Hoofatt
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: Features
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On April 21 the Soulforce riders arrived across the street from Spring Arbor University in the community park pavilion. The group, who supports freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from religious and political oppression, met with SAU students, faculty and community members during their off-campus visit.
"I am excided that Soulforce decided to come and share in discussion on faith. They did not come to push their views, they came to share their stories and open up dialogue with everyone that is here in attendance," said Drew Hinkle, President of Students Aligned for Equality (S.A.F.E.).
Soulforce is comprised of 33 young adults who separate into two buses, one westbound and the other eastbound in order to address the issue of homosexuality and the church. Their goal is to challenge the Christian Church to live up to its name.
"I feel that being gay and being Christian is not exclusive," said Robin Reynolds, Soulforce Rider from Valdosta, Georgia.
Members of S.A.F.E held a barbeque for the Soulforce riders and the individuals that attended the event. Burgers, veggie burgers and hotdogs were all on the menu. While the food was being cooked, the Soulforce riders had a chance to talk to everyone who attended.
Attendees broke up into small groups, where riders spoke to students and faculty. This paved the way for a variety of conversations to take place, and each rider seemed genuinely interested in the stories that students shared while at the same time sharing their own. This time seemed foster great conversations on Christian faith, the church and school policy.
"We come to talk and share stories engage in dialogue," said Rachel Loskill a Soulforce rider from East Lansing, Michigan.
"There is a lot of suffering happening feeling rejected and were here to affirm you," said Jarrett Lucas, Co-Director of Equality Ride East Bus and Young Adult Director of Outreach.
After the discussion time the riders started their presentation. They started with a worship song. Lyrics such as 'Joy inside of my world where love is moving me' were sung throughout the pavilion.
"I am excided that Soulforce decided to come and share in discussion on faith. They did not come to push their views, they came to share their stories and open up dialogue with everyone that is here in attendance," said Drew Hinkle, President of Students Aligned for Equality (S.A.F.E.).
Soulforce is comprised of 33 young adults who separate into two buses, one westbound and the other eastbound in order to address the issue of homosexuality and the church. Their goal is to challenge the Christian Church to live up to its name.
"I feel that being gay and being Christian is not exclusive," said Robin Reynolds, Soulforce Rider from Valdosta, Georgia.
Members of S.A.F.E held a barbeque for the Soulforce riders and the individuals that attended the event. Burgers, veggie burgers and hotdogs were all on the menu. While the food was being cooked, the Soulforce riders had a chance to talk to everyone who attended.
Attendees broke up into small groups, where riders spoke to students and faculty. This paved the way for a variety of conversations to take place, and each rider seemed genuinely interested in the stories that students shared while at the same time sharing their own. This time seemed foster great conversations on Christian faith, the church and school policy.
"We come to talk and share stories engage in dialogue," said Rachel Loskill a Soulforce rider from East Lansing, Michigan.
"There is a lot of suffering happening feeling rejected and were here to affirm you," said Jarrett Lucas, Co-Director of Equality Ride East Bus and Young Adult Director of Outreach.
After the discussion time the riders started their presentation. They started with a worship song. Lyrics such as 'Joy inside of my world where love is moving me' were sung throughout the pavilion.
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