To the Editor:

Re: “The Science Behind Sexual Attraction,” Opinion, Oct. 28

As a gay man on campus, I am incredibly offended by the Science Section’s treatment of sexual attraction in this article. In theory, I wouldn’t mind a piece that discussed the nature and evolution of heterosexual behavior; however, I would prefer that said piece contain at least SOME acknowledgement of other forms of sexual behavior, even at a perfunctory level.

Last week my wife Tracy — who is also a campus chaplain — and I declined to speak to The Sun about our relationship to Chris Donohoe ’09, and the circumstances regarding his removal from leadership in Chi Alpha, until we had the opportunity to speak with all the parties involved in the dispute. This was in accordance with the advice of the Cornell United Religious Work administration.

As a Christian, I agree that religion is generally terribly divisive. Religion tells its followers that they have “the truth” and are saved by performing the truth. It becomes natural for the religious to either passively judge the less devoted and impure — or to actively marginalize them.

Many people on campus have felt that by asking Chris Donohoe ’09 to step down from leadership, Chi Alpha has reflected these exclusive and bigoted tendencies of religion. Indeed, an examination of biblical Christianity reveals that Christianity is exclusive — but not the least bit more than other worldviews. Additionally, when one takes the core truths of Christianity into the center of his or her being, what results is not hate, but rather deep, sacrificial love.

To the Editor:

Re: “Alleged Homophobia Causes Outcry: Gay student asked to step down from leadership post by Christian group,” News, April 23.

As an LGBTQ-identified person of faith, this incident brings about many emotions. Part of me is sick to my core, and part of me is simply disappointed. Most of all, though, I am very saddened by this turn of events. For many people, myself included, finding a meaningful way to integrate two fundamental, yet seemingly irreconcilable aspects of our existence proves nearly impossible. Chris’ efforts to prove that it is possible to be a gay, devout Christian are truly inspiring. What upsets me is that instead of receiving support, he was rejected for having found a solution that affirms his sense of self in multiple ways.

To the Editor:

Re: “Outcry Erupts from Alleged Homophobia: Gay student asked to step down from leadership post by Christian group,” News, April 23.

It was thoroughly appalling to read of the events surrounding Chris Donohoe’s ’09 forced withdrawal from leadership in the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

To the Editor:

Re: “Outcry Erupts from Alleged Homophobia: Gay student asked to step down from leadership post by Christian group,” News, April 23.

Direction Action to Stop Heterosexism’s onslaught against oppressive actions toward homosexuals continued yesterday, as the student group hosted “Future of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’” in Myron Taylor Hall. Aaron Tax ’98, legal co-director of The Service Members Legal Defense Network, spoke to the audience about the context and deleterious effects of the infamous 15-year-old measure “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which refers to the United States military policy on homosexuals that mandates immediate discharge from service of anyone who shows signs of homosexuality, a policy Tax emphasized as antiquated and baseless.

Tax, who studied law at George Washington University said, “It’s much worse than you think,” referencing the unofficial title of his lecture.

Last night, the Student Assembly passed Resolution 41, supporting the initiation of an S.A. investigation into the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and endorsing a previous Student Assembly Finance Commission decision to temporarily suspend Chi Alpha’s funds due to a suspected violation of University Policy. Chi Alpha, which is a registered student organization and receives funding from the SAFC, came under fire this week after it was released that an openly gay member had been asked to step down from his leadership position in the group.

Editor’s Note: After Chris Donohoe ’09 finished his term as vice president of Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, he was set to become a member of the leadership team last fall. The organization’s pastors, however, stipulated that he could hold this position as long as he did not engage in a relationship with another man. After Donohoe met his boyfriend, Jarrod Schaeffer ’09, last summer, the pastors asked Donohoe to step down from the team without consulting the rest of the organization.