An out Hillsdale College alum has
responded to an email inviting the school community to pray against
“evil” gay marriage.
“Hey friends!” starts the email
from Peter Beckwith, the school's chaplain. “Just to give you a
heads up, ugly things are happening in the Supreme Court right now.
Justice Anthony Kennedy is seen as the 'swing vote' and, if that is
the case, he will have the power to legalize same-sex marriage
NATIONWIDE! Yeah... I do not even think we can imagine the effects
this could have on our nation, the church, and families.”
“So we are praying for God to give
the Justices and the courts wisdom, courage, and discernment, for
evil to be revealed and destroyed, and for a heart of love and sound
mind.”
Recent alum Derek Schell, who came out
gay two years ago in an Outsports.com
op-ed, responded in a Facebook
post.
“I've never been one to shut my ear
to an opposing argument or point of view,” Schell wrote. “However,
this is a step too far. I have tried to describe my college
environment and experience to some friends and family and this is a
good example. Imagine being a closeted, scared, struggling student
and receiving this CAMPUS WIDE email (that sends to alums as well).
I met good, kind people in my time in that little town in Michigan,
but today I am ashamed, disgusted and angry. This is violence,
hatred, and ignorance personified. My heart is heavy for my
Hillsdale family today.”
“When I put a ring on my husband's
finger, I'll be sure your invitation is lost in the mail. Instead,
I'll say a prayer that you discover some love, and stop hiding behind
the fear of something that doesn't affect you at all,” he
added.
Hillsdale, described by the National
Journal as “the conservative Harvard,” is located in
Hillsdale, Michigan.