Evangelist preaching sparks student outcry
Christian pair denounces gays, students rally with Pride Alliance
Kevin Muller
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: News
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Jim Deferio and his daughter Michelle, both from Syracuse, arrived on campus shortly before noon and remained on the college green for over five hours: finally leaving at 5:30 p.m. Jim Deferio held a sign proclaiming that gays have been healed through faith and touted Web sites including exhomosexuals.com and hopeforhomosexuals.com.
Large numbers of students crowded around the demonstrators, in some cases insulting and denouncing their message. Many were offended by Jim Deferio's often inflammatory comments, such as his denial that there is a biological basis for homosexuality.
"All sex out of marriage is a sin," Deferio said. "Jesus defined marriage as between a man and a woman." He claimed that homosexuals are 40 times more likely than heterosexuals to molest children, and declared John Lennon an "evil person."
According to Michelle Deferio, she and her father are not affiliated with and do not receive any support from outside organizations, and have no political goal. They have held similar demonstrations at other SUNY campuses, including a Sept. 11 appearance at Brockport. She said that different cultures struggle with different issues related to the teachings of God, and that she and her father focus on sexual immorality when at college campuses because it is most relevant for that audience. "I want people to have a real relationship with God," she said.
Many students were outraged at the Deferios. "These people are despicable, and shouldn't be allowed to do this," said senior Aaron Netsky.
"This man does not represent Jesus Christ," said Pastor Dave Seeley of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
Members of Pride Alliance were quick to organize and maintained a strong showing throughout the day, displaying banners and rallying against the demonstrators.
"We're not here to force them to leave," said junior Kai Davies, president of the club. "We're here to support queer rights on campus."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
Aachen Elsinghorst
posted 10/02/08 @ 3:37 PM EST
This is going to sound strange, but I'm actually thankful that the Deferios decided to visit our campus.
Before you start yelling, I would like to mention that I think that what Mr. (Continued…)
just the facts jack
posted 10/02/08 @ 4:51 PM EST
The school's reaction should be applauded. Not just for the outcry of disgust and the unity demonstrated, but for the school's respect of the first amendment. (Continued…)
Karl
posted 10/02/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
Bravo to Kai Davis for respecting free speech. All to often, we want to ban people who say things we disagree with. The best course of action is to let them say what they want and challenge them when they speak nonsensically. (Continued…)
Rusty
posted 10/03/08 @ 12:15 PM EST
How stupid can these people have be, coming to a college and saying this. I agree with above post. Allow them to say what they want and challenge them in the arena of ideas. (Continued…)
Lee Manuelo
posted 10/04/08 @ 7:00 PM EST
This is too bad. I also am a true Christian and I do not believe that homosexuality is right, but as the above post stated, Jesus did NOT preach hate, he preached with love. (Continued…)
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