The already apostate Fuller Theological Seminary, www.fuller.edu, one of the world’s largest multi-denominational seminaries, apparently is the first major evangelical seminary to sanction an LGBT student club.
Fuller Seminary has given approval to a homosexual campus club called "One Table", http://onetablefuller.com/, as reported by The New American: http://thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/16012-evangelical-fuller-seminary-says-yes-to-homosexual-campus-club.
Also reported by AZ Central: http://www.azcentral.com/news/free/20130713fuller-theological-seminary-christian-schools-gays-pasadena.html, from an Associated Press article.
The New American excerpt:
"Fuller's new president, Mark Labberton, to issue a statement in an attempt to clarify the school's somewhat muddied position on homosexuality. See: http://www.fuller.edu/printable.aspx?id=2147493985, titled: "Mark Labberton's Response to Recent AP Article". Labberton then mouthed One Table's own slogan, that the homosexual group exists to provide “a safe place to discuss issues related to sexuality and gender — issues that are vitally important, personal, and fraught with debate that is frequently divisive and contentious, not least in an evangelical context.” Ignoring that One Table was formed by a confirmed homosexual who is convinced he can embrace the Christian faith without rejecting what the Bible clearly says is sin, Labberton nonetheless insisted that the gay club “is not an advocacy group to alter seminary policy nor to direct any efforts in that direction.”
Mark Labberton Response in full as per above link:
News
Mark Labberton's Response to Recent AP Article
Fuller's president responds to comments and questions :: 07/15/13
Below is a response from Fuller's President Mark Labberton following the publication of an Associated Press article that ran on July 13, 2013 regarding an LGBT student group at Fuller Seminary.
Fuller has received comments about the Associated Press news article that ran over the weekend about OneTable and the seminary. We here at Fuller have long welcomed the opportunity to engage over vigorous issues of debate within the church and within culture. We understand that this leaves us vulnerable to critique from a broad spectrum.
We want to provide some clarity about the following points and questions that have been raised in response to the article: What is Fuller's position regarding same-sex marriage? What is the OneTable student group and its purpose? What are Fuller's hopes in discussing issues of sexuality?
Fuller's position on same-sex marriage and behavior, reflective of our evangelical tradition's reliance on the scriptures, affirms that every student, faculty member, administrator, and staff person at Fuller is expected to abide by the Community Standards that “premarital, extramarital, and homosexual forms of explicit sexual conduct (are) inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture.” This position is clear.
OneTable at Fuller is one among 24 student-led groups, which can be formed when a number of students express interest in developing a discussion group on campus, such as the current Student Stewardship Group, G3 (Environmental) Initiative, and Students Serving Veterans.
OneTable provides a safe place to discuss issues related to sexuality and gender—issues that are vitally important, personal, and fraught with debate that is frequently divisive and contentious, not least in an evangelical context. OneTable at Fuller is not an advocacy group to alter seminary policy nor to direct any efforts in that direction. No student-led group "defines" Fuller's position, nor does it represent or encompass the many resources that Fuller has to offer. In terms of the topics of sexuality, marriage, and family, Fuller has been and will continue to teach about these issues in many ways both in the classroom and in campuswide workshops.
Fuller hopes to be a context in which many of the significant issues of our day can be discussed in relation to the Bible’s teaching for the life and witness of the church. As we are all aware, many evangelical and other churches are being asked questions related to sexuality by their congregations. As our students at Fuller train to become pastors and church leaders and for other vocations, issues about sexuality will likely be asked and discussed with some regularity. Our goal at Fuller Seminary is to help prepare our students to be able to minister lovingly, biblically, and faithfully on this and many other issues as well.
Finally, I would like to note how much we appreciate your questions and your prayers as we seek, in a spirit of humility, to be faithful witnesses—in word and in deed—to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world.
Mark Labberton, President
Fuller Seminary
Fuller Seminary
_______________________________________________________________________
Excerpt:
"Fuller Seminary is both my alma mater (M.Div.) and a part-time employer (I teach a cohort in the D.Min. program). As far as I know, I am one of two faculty members at Fuller who publicly supports gay marriage and the full inclusion of GLBT persons in ordained ministry. As such, I’ve had many conversation about the issue of gays in the church with alumni, faculty, and administrators. I have the most conversations with prospective students, many of them gay and wondering if they will find Fuller a hospitable place."
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