'We ask for forgiveness'

To the Editor:

As the e-board of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at University at Buffalo, we are deeply distressed that an uninvited campus visitor used (and misused) passages from the Bible to cause hurt, fear, and grief to the campus community. We unapologetically believe that the Christian Scriptures are central to all aspects of our lives (including our sexuality). However, we are offended by any and all attempts to communicate Christian beliefs in ways that are demeaning, coercive, or hateful. We believe that the visitors' attitude towards the LGBTQ community on campus included all of these characteristics. Therefore, several of us confronted the visitor last Wednesday and spent some time holding signs in silent protest.

With great shame, we confess that Christians have all too often taken a similar approach towards the LGBTQ community. And we confess that all too often Christians have persecuted, slandered, marginalized, and even killed members of the LGBTQ community. As members of the Christian community, we are duly sorry for this history and understand our responsibility to prevent this kind of activity in the future. As part of the larger Christian community, we ask for forgiveness from the LGBTQ community for the pain and hurt this visitor caused.

We recognize that our commitment to the authority of Scripture in the area of human sexuality may be a cause for disagreement and discomfort. And we recognize that our religious beliefs may be disagreeable to others. However, we desire to be an organization on campus which creates opportunities for conversation which demonstrate grace and truth, love and conviction, respect and integrity. The visitor on Wednesday came to offend, alarm, and excite - without creating an opportunity for people to respond to the anger and hurt he created. We were all diminished by his presence.

Brian Tofflemire

E-board of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

brian_tofflemire@ivstaff.org

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's open meetings are Fridays at 7:34 is SU210. All students are welcome.