Huntsville, Ala — Oakwood University administration is aware that the national gay-rights group called "Soulforce" is scheduled to visit our campus on March 15, as part of their annual “Equality Ride” bus tour to several colleges and universities nationwide.
Our policies forbidding homosexual behavior are deeply rooted in Seventh-day Adventist theological views, and as a private, Christian institution, we are not reluctant to affirm them. Oakwood seeks to respond with genuine Christian kindness to the individual riders while denying open and disruptive access to our campus, as we also have a responsibility to guard the rights of our students.
Students, staff and faculty are urged to maintain an atmosphere of civility and Christian kindness. Any aggression or ridicule toward the Equality Riders will not be tolerated.
Oakwood’s response is simple: “No condemnation; no compromise"— meaning, we do not seek to condemn or censor any individual or group whose views may differ from our own; however, we do not intend to compromise our convictions, based on the tenets of our faith, that homosexual behavior is contrary to the principles of Christianity.
When Oakwood was initially contacted by Soulforce, much consideration was given to the handling of such a sensitive issue that has faced Christians since Biblical times.
In the spirit of “no condemnation; no compromise,” administration decided to allow the opportunity for dialogue in a restricted, organized, non-threatening atmosphere.
We solicit the prayers of the faith community that the Spirit of God will be exemplified in all that transpires on our campus in the days ahead.
News Archives 
