To the Editor:
Understanding others has been the greatest challenge in all humanity. I believe that if only you understood where the Tufts Christian Fellowship (TCF) is coming from with its beliefs, there would be neither conflict, nor accusations.
The TCF is a fellowship with Christian beliefs and values. Evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God, and they want to love and honor God by obeying His commandments. Christianity does not rely on popular opinion, or even on the Constitution (we are lucky that, in this country, the Constitution and Christianity are not at war). Christians rely on God and on His word. The Bible speaks clearly and consistently against homosexual practice.
The issue is not about discrimination. The TCF welcomes everyone, yet without accepting everyone's lifestyles and beliefs. Please understand that TCF sets a standard for its leaders to preserve the integrity of the Fellowship. The standard is a willingness to submit to the Scripture. That standard is of TCF; every group on campus has its own standards.
This university has the authority to disagree with a group's values, even ban any group altogether. It may dictate to people what to think, or even purge itself of the people who disagree with the mainstream. But is that what Tufts University ultimately wants?
I come from a country where the government used to tell religious organizations how to think and what to do. There were no alternative views or any questioning. The church was afraid to voice its opinion, being afraid of the tyranny that murdered millions of Soviet citizens. The result was spiritual stagnation! If you want to see spiritually hungry people, go to the remnants of the USSR.
Our university has taken pride in its diverse community. But valuing diversity first involves understanding, as well as respect for those diverse beliefs. The real question is whether we will do this, and value the diversity we have attained.
Anya Ligai, LA '03
