2 arrested at Cornerstone in gay rights protest
Two members of a gay rights group were arrested at Cornerstone University after the group vowed it would come to the campus even though the university made it clear it wasn’t welcome.
21-year-old Matt Comer of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Stephen Krebs of Washington, DC, were arrested after arriving on the campus with the Soulforce Equality Ride, a group on a nationwide tour of college campuses.
Soulforce, a group of Christian gay and lesbians with a message promoting sexual diversity on college campuses, visited Cornerstone University on Monday.
“They’re not really interested in dialogue; they want media visuals,” said Cornerstone University President Rex Rogers. “They want to be seen being arrested. They like being portrayed as victims.”
Over 30 members of Soulforce visit universities it believes are homophobic.
“We bring a message of affirmation and of compassion and inclusion,” said Equality Rider Vince Pancucci.
Soulforce first contacted Cornerstone in November, asking permission to meet with students and promote sexual diversity and spirituality.
“We do not align historically or otherwise doctorinally as a Christian university in what they say and believe,” said Rogers.
As a private institution, Cornerstone denied the request for the visit.
As 24 Hour News 8 showed up with cameras, the visit took on the appearance of a media stunt.
“It’s a symbolic action of just saying, we’re not welcome,” said Pancucci. “This is what happens if gay people try to talk with Christian students on the campus.”
Soulforce made the same request of Christian-based Calvin College.
“They were going to come,” said Shirley Hoogstra, Vice President of Student Life at Calvin, “We were going to make sure we had a worthwhile visit.”
“We’re very clear as a denomination: marriage is reserved for a man and a woman, but that we have to offer pastoral care for persons with same sex attraction.”
Calvin believes it will help understanding to have discussion with the group.
Representatives have been working together in recent months creating on-campus educational programs leading up to Tuesday’s visit.
Source: woodtv.com