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GLBT Wheaton College Alumni (Wheaton, Illinois)
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Personal Contact: Michael Piette
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GLBT Wheaton College Alumni (Wheaton, Illinois) We are alumni of Wheaton College (Illinois) who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT). We are an exceptional group because Wheaton is an exceptionally conservative institution, which actively discourages GLBT lifestyles. We believe that our sexuality is not a choice, and that the Christian church must accept our mutually differing opinions. We do not intend to convince Wheaton College or other alumni of our opinions; we both cultivate our opinions independently with the help of prayer and careful study. We do, however, actively seek to end hatred and misunderstandings that may, in part, be perpetuated by Wheaton's stance. Wheaton College actively discourages GLBT lifestyles. Wheaton is famous for its Statement of Responsibilities, which asks that students maintain a code of behavior during their attendance. Of interest is the following except: -------------- STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY OF WHEATON COLLEGE Attitudes that the Bible condemns as morally wrong include greed, jealousy, pride, lust, bitterness, uncontrolled anger, and prejudice based on race, sex, or socio-economic status. While these attitudes are difficult to detect, they are as subject to the judgment of God as are outward forms of sin. The Bible also condemns such practices as drunkenness, stealing, profanity, unfair discrimination, dishonesty, occult practices, illegal activities, and sexual sins such as pre-marital sex, adultery, and homosexual behavior. -------------- Just as the hoary aphorism "Hate the sin and not the sinner" differentiates between an individual's identity and their actions, so too we believe that the Statement of Responsibilities can differentiate between an individual and their actions. That is, the Statement of Responsibilities does not ask an individual to abandon their GLBT identity. Instead, it asks them to refrain from their GLBT behavior. Abstinence is a difficult, but acceptable, way of maneuvering through a career at Wheaton College. It is important to note that sexual identity takes time to solidify. Young students at Wheaton College may not be sure if they are GLBT. More commonly, young students may not be convinced that their GLBT inclinations cannot be cured. We have a lot of reasons to put hope in a cure. Neither the church nor society can offer GLBT people an easy life. Institutions such as Exodus International (see www.exodusinternational.org) offer a powerful hope which is almost too good to be true: rightness with God and society. But what if their promises are not fulfilled? What if science’s opinions on homosexuality prove true? (For an excellent discussion of current scientific opinions regarding homosexuality, see the American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org/ and search for homosexuality. If possible, read the page titled "Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality") If the promises of Exodus International and other institutions are not fulfilled, the Christian's GLBT life is fulfilling, joyful, rewarding, exciting and righteous.
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