Letter: Divinity School not welcoming for homosexuals

There has been a great deal of press and controversy following the release of the Divinity School's covenant code. Questions about its origin, student involvement and trust of administration have encircled student's conversations within the Divinity School. Although I have concerns with the above issues, I am most concerned about the covenant code's implications to gay and lesbian students. By using the language of chastity without further clarification, our administration has unofficially taken a stance on LGBT students at the Divinity School. I would like for us to look at the larger implications of the covenant code for LGBT students.

In a recent article in Raleigh's News & Observer, Amy Laura Hall implied that the covenant code could allow for same-sex relationships. While this may be true, it is important to view this statement in the context of the school's atmosphere. The climate of the Divinity School is one that is not very welcoming to its gay and lesbian students. Despite the presence of Sacred Worth, a Divinity School organization that is designed for LGBT Divinity students and allies, statements have recently been made that were incredibly offensive to gay and lesbian students. Rev. Eugene Rivers III preached at York Chapel this past Wednesday and included in his sermon a traditional "slam" on gay men: The Bible says Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. What happened next was the most startling feature of the morning. Although there were several faculty members (including Willie Jennings, senior associate academic dean) and a host of students present, no one spoke out in opposition. Several students hollered out in support of Rivers's stance. To date, no formal apology to gay and lesbian students or allies has been released. If Rivers said that blacks had no place in ministry, the Divinity School would have been quick in denying his claims and offering an apology. I cannot understand why things were different for gay and lesbian students.

I began by stating my concerns for the Divinity School but while reflecting on the words of this statement, my concern has evolved to fear. For me, the Divinity School stood as a place in which differences in theological beliefs could be discussed in a safe environment. Both the covenant code and the administration's inaction regarding Rivers's comments have caused it to be a place that is not conducive to the well-being of the entire population.