Two Soulforce Updates

First, my friend who forwarded the earlier Sojourners article let me know that APU's "Common Day of Learning" is a big all campus event, and their invitation to Soulforce to participate is a much higher presence than C.U. is planning. That is important to note.


Second, the following is the text of an email to those of us on C.U.'s staff and faculty (I'm adjunct faculty) about the Soulforce visit. It is a good explanation of their perspective in answer to questions raised.

Questions and Answers for March 21:



Q: Why did Cedarville University invite Soulforce to campus?
A: We want to assure you that Cedarville University did not invite Soulforce to come. We informed Soulforce that our position is based on biblical convictions and is not open for change or negotiation. We strongly encouraged them not to come if changing our position was their objective. Despite our request, we were informed by Soulforce that they had included Cedarville on their itinerary. The ride will include stops at 39 other universities as well. Even though it was not our decision for them to come, we intend to use their scheduled protest as an opportunity to present the biblical approach to homosexuality in a clear and loving way.



Q: Why doesn't Cedarville University just ban them from coming?
A: There are four main reasons why Cedarville University prayerfully and carefully chose not to ban Soulforce from campus:

· First, their protest gives us an opportunity to reinforce the importance of being able to present a biblical approach to homosexuality issues. Our prayer is that our students and our entire University family will become better equipped to respond to this critical social issue in truth and love.

· Second, the presence of the protestors will be an opportunity for us to share the gospel in a truthful and loving way.

· Third, logistically it would be virtually impossible to prevent them from coming. Our campus is not a "closed" campus in the sense that we have no walls around us and no gate to shut. If we were to ban Soulforce, they could easily walk onto campus unknown to us in small groups. We prefer to have the opportunity to know where they are at all times and to better manage their interactions.

· Fourth, banning them from campus would allow them to gain additional media attention. We do not want to help them create a media frenzy. We want to make the most of the situation for Christ's glory.



If you'd like to ask a general question about the protest, please e-mail us at discussionpoint@cedarville.edu. We may respond to your question privately or, if several of you have the same question, we may answer it in our weekly e-mail (with your name omitted).



Don't forget to visit the Speaking Truth site at www.cedarville.edu/speakingtruth/campus for more information about campus preparations. And keep praying!