LGBT and straight students at Princeton Seminary spend a
week around the theme "Generosity of Spirit"
Michael Adee, National Field Organizer for More Light
Presbyterians, is visiting for the event, and sends this report.
[3-29-06]
March 28, 2006
Princeton, New Jersey:
Greetings from Princeton Theological Seminary and their
annual BGLASS Week. BGLASS is the LGBT and straight supportive student
ministry on campus. The BGLASS student advisory board chose the title
"Generosity of Spirit" as this year's awareness, educational theme. This
theme is printed on the bold green 2006 BGLASS T-shirts that are symbols of
solidarity and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students,
faculty and staff on campus.
I have the privilege of supporting BGLASS week and
participating in the educational events by teaching a workshop on Sexual
Ethics from a Christian perspective and preaching in chapel. Programming for
the week began with Dr. Robert Dykstra, professor of pastoral theology,
offering a "Pastoral Care and the LGBT Community." The students offered an
meditative opening worship service that included the ancient church ritual
of foot cleansing as a reminder that we are to be in care and service to one
another.
Today's luncheon panel discussion was a group of six
students sharing different perspectives on homosexuality and faith.
Moderated by one of the BGLASS student leaders, this panel's sharing
illustrated speaking truth in love and respectful communication in ways I
have observed only rarely in church settings. When I shared this observation
with one student, she said that it was "because we are in relationships with
one another, we are in community."
Tomorrow's luncheon panel will feature pastors who will
share about the challenges and rewards of serving in open and affirming
congregations. BGLASS Week will conclude with a party on the quad with a
live band providing a celebration for the entire seminary community.
Equality Princeton, the alumni group for LGBT/allies is
also hosting a reception on campus for BGLASS Week as well as underwriting
some of the expenses for this extraordinary week of:LGBT-focused education,
outreach, witness and community on campus.
I am deeply impressed with the thoughtful, faithful and
caring nature of the students that I am experiencing here at Princeton.
Their hospitality is reflective of understanding a Gospel that embraces
everyone. The BGLASS student advisory board is group of imaginative,
dedicated and throughtful church leaders. They are an absolute delight and
privilege to know and work with. The supportive students who are
heterosexual know that they must step up to the plate at a time in the life
of the Church wherein it is unsafe for LGBT students to come out at
seminary.
Special thanks to those of you who offer financial support
for MLP because your generosity makes it possible for me to be here to
participate in and support BGLASS Week as part of my field outreach.
with hope and grace,
Michael
Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph..D., National Field Organizer
More Light Presbyterians, 369 Montezuma Avenue # 447,
Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 820-7082,michaeladee@aol.com,
www.mlp.org
