Student Opinion

It has recently come to my attention the possibility of Gustavus becoming a “Reconciled in Christ” institution. This possibility is of interest to me as a friend of many GLBT students on campus, as a member of Prepare Ministries, and as a Chaplain’s Apprentice.

As a higher learning institution, we have a calling to embrace diversity, especially through providing a safe place for the sharing of ideas. Gustavus should create an environment where a diversity of viewpoints can thrive, as long as viewpoints are not discriminatory or illegal.

Gustavus has a strong ELCA Christian tradition and I value that as well. I grew up in an ELCA church and consider myself a Lutheran Christian but I do not feel it is the place of a college to endorse one controversial theological viewpoint over another. There is even disagreement present within the ELCA denomination itself on the issue of homosexuality. I feel that Gustavus taking a stance on this issue will promote division rather than unity among Christians and faith-based groups on campus.

Additionally, I feel that becoming an RIC institution is unnecessary; Gustavus already had non-discrimination policies in place. An RIC institution takes a step beyond non-discrimination and endorses a specific view-point on a controversial theological issue. To my knowledge, Gustavus has never officially taken a stance on a controversial Christian issue.

My final concern is that many political and religious conservative students already feel unwelcome at Gustavus and becoming an RIC institution will further that. A college should be a place where a variety of viewpoints are present and diversity is encouraged.

Kristin Knudson