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from Theological Issues
Young Gay Activist Seeks Divinity Degree To
Question Religious Opposition To Homosexual Conduct
June 6, 2006 -
Jacob Reitan has recently been given a full scholarship to attend
Harvard Divinity School this fall. His goal in attending the divinity
school is not to become a pastor but to gain a religious education to
use in the fight for gay rights.
Reitan believes that the battle for gay rights must be fought within a
religious context, which is why he and his family are involved in
Soulforce, a gay organization founded by Pastor Mel White and his
partner Gary Nixon.
Reitan, 24, has gained a reputation in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota
for his activism. He helped organize a Soulforce "Equality Ride" that
involved a series of sit-ins and demonstrations throughout the United
States at religious schools and military academies. Reitan and his
activist allies picketed West Point, Jerry Falwell's Liberty University,
Brigham Young University, and other campuses.
Reitan hopes to use his divinity school training to reinterpret the
Bible and its views on homosexuality. He believes the view that
homosexuality is a sin is based upon incomplete and erroneous
interpretations of Bible passages.
Additional Reading: Responding to Pro-Gay Theology
Updated: 8 February 2008
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