The important thing to keep in mind is that this is not simply a matter of policy. It isn’t a theoretical issue, but a concrete human issue. The words we say and the policies on homosexuality that we create have very tangible effects on members of our community who identify as LGBTQ. These words affect our classmates, our floormates, our friends. So, perhaps it would be beneficial to adjust our approach to this conversation. Rather than focusing on the topic of LGBTQ issues, let’s focus on LGBTQ individuals. Instead of asking how we should respond to the issue, let’s ask what we can do to transform Greenville College into a more welcoming environment for its LGBTQ members. As a matter of fact, the proposed Lifestyle Statement changes and the community’s response to them demonstrated many aspects of what that shift looks like. First, it very simply sparked a conversation. Dissenting opinions compelled the community to dialogue, and the majority of that dialogue ended up being quite constructive. The group of alumni who approached the board with their concerns about the Lifestyle Statement voiced their opinions in a loving and respectful manner out of concern for other members of their community. The Board of Trustees demonstrated a willingness to listen. Respectful conversation such as this is a crucial component of creating a welcoming community. Rather than engaging in a defensive debate, using Bible verses as weapons in an argument, we must display the same willingness to listen and have the humility to admit our errors. We must go into the conversation hoping to learn rather than teach. The responses to the Lifestyle Statement also resulted in the acknowledgement of the existence of LGBTQ individuals at Greenville College. The new draft included a statement explicitly acknowledging that there are LGBTQ members of GC’s community. While this may seem insignificant, it is an absolutely essential component of creating a welcoming environment for these
individuals. This is the first step in approaching this topic as a human issue rather than a theoretical one—once we acknowledge that there are members of our community who identify as LGBTQ, we begin to realize the weight that our words and actions carry towards these individuals. However, it isn’t enough to simply acknowledge the existence of Greenville’s LGBTQ community—in order for effective dialogue to take place, we must also actively engage members of that community. If Greenville College wants to take a stance on homosexuality, then it must take into account the experiences and viewpoints of those who will be most affected by this stance. Although LGBTQ individuals here at Greenville College are often difficult to identify, their voices matter and it is important that we find appropriate channels for dialogue. This could mean engaging with the coordinators of Greenville United, an online community created by and for Greenville’s LGBTQ students and alumni. Perhaps it could involve holding more panel events with LGBTQ alumni and current students--events such as these have been hosted in the past on campus and have been well-received and sparked great conversations. In the end, no matter what we believe about sexuality or gender identity, our response as Christians should always be driven by a love that resembles the love of Jesus. This is not a love of legalistic stipulations and conditions. It is not a love that favors judgment over mercy. It is a love that wholeheartedly embraces every individual it encounters, and welcomes them into an understanding and accepting community. Based on the events of this year, it seems that Greenville is moving, however slowly, towards establishing a community in which this embrace is extended to all its members.
It’s our job to continue to guide our community in this direction—it’s our job to continue the conversation.
BETH WATKINS