We get asked why we do this work often. Sometimes, we think people wonder why we engage in such a Promethean task as endeavoring to transform Fundamentalism.

It’s fair to say that each of us does this work for a different reason – family, altruism, a personal encounter.

Throughout the fall, we have shared with you stories of why many members of Soulforce do what they do, what motivates, what heals them.

If you take with you one story from this holiday season, please, take this one:
I was a student at Abilene Christian University the first time you all came through our little neck of the Bible Belt. At the time, I was majoring in Christian Ministry and was proud of the way we opened our campus to you all when you came through. We all were. Although our contemporaries were not pleased with us, we made sure it was what I felt at the time was a safe place for Soulforce to come dialogue with students. And although members of Soulforce were grateful for the warm reception from what I can remember, I recall that this sense of pride was what kept me from really grasping the most important part of the Soulforce journey, to challenge university leaders to create a safe environment where GLBT folks could thrive as much as those students who were not. It has taken me 5 additional years to fully understand that it was not we at ACU who had something to be proud of,but you all and the work you do. It has taken me this long to fully and totally, without reservation, humanize GLBT people in my own mindand heart. I am sorry it took me so long.

I am still a committed Christian and a leader in my community, but I would be a different kind of leader were it not for Soulforce. You all planted a seed within me that took a while to cultivate, but without it, I would not be the same. Because of your courageous work,I will work to ensure that every space within my influence, be it church, social relationships, work, etc., is a safe and nurturing environment for GLBT people.