Soulforce has embarked on a project called the Equality Ride 2007, a bus tour visiting 32 campuses (including Baylor University, Bob Jones University, Brigham Young University) that have policies that discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual and trangendered (GLBT) people. Tonight, the Equality Ride has landed in Ellendale, SD, to visit Trinity Bible College. They have not been allowed on the grounds, but have been permitted to park their bus at the edge of campus to hold a peaceful vigil (they will do this starting at 9 am Monday morning). They will also hold a press conference, network with some USD students who are coming to meet them in Ellendale, and donate some books to the local public library.
The Soulforce group is having having a open gathering at the Red Rooster Coffee House in Aberdeen (202 S Main) Monday night at 6pm. All are invited to come meet and talk with them at that time.
Here's a picture of some of the Equality Riders, and a nice photo of one of them, Emily, with her Mom, who is from Custer and came up to Ellendale visit her. (All photos courtesy of David Fischer)
These Soulforce people are doing great work, and need our support and prayers. They don't carry signs and scream. They are traveling to create opportunities to enter into dialogue with anyone at these campuses that wants to talk to them. You can read more about the Equality Ride and more of the dedicated, courageous Riders at Soulforce's website. You also may want to check out the Equality Ride West bus blog (there's both an East and West bus this year). None other than Emily posted a beautiful reflection just yesterday!
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I closely followed last year's Equality Ride. So it's cool to see them come to South Dakota. Good for them! I wish I could've gone to see them.
ReplyDeleteThey are doing God's work and I will pray that they have a successful year.