Head of Christian college apologises for equating sexual assault with same-sex relationships
Greg Christy wrote a blog post on the college website and has faced criticism
By Steve Brown
The head of a Christian college has apologised after he suggested sexual assault and same-sex relationships were on the same level.
Greg Christy, who heads the private Christian institution Northwestern College in Iowa, posted a blog post on the website drawing the connection between adultery and sexual assault to same-sex relationships.
The post read: “While there are many cultural issues that threaten to distort God’s vision for human flourishing, issues related to human sexuality are at the forefront.
“Pornography, premarital sex, adultery, sexual assault, the objectification of women, and same-sex activity all exemplify the brokenness of sexual desire and expression.
“The college lifts up the Christian ideal of marriage between a man and a woman and contends that all sexual intimacy shall be within the bounds of such marriage.”
His comments have been slammed by both current students and alumni with many speaking out about their disappointment with the post.
One wrote: “I am very disappointed Pres. Christy would go out of his way to speak against marriage equality and same-sex relationships in this reflection.
“NW, the RCA [Reformed Church in America], and the church as a whole can and must do better.”
Another said: “By listing these together, you equated them to one another and ‘sexual desire and expression’.
“Sexual assault and objectification of women have nothing to do with sexual desire or expression – they are about exerting power and control.
“As Northwestern’s president and advocate for students, this shows a lack of understanding for, as you put it, ‘human sexuality’.
“Your students and faith community deserve better.”
In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Christy apologised for his comments but stood by his Christian beliefs.
He said: “In no way was I intending whatsoever to equate that sexual assault was in any way, shape of form equal to or the same as any of the other items that were listed.
“I was just [trying] to say that just like same-sex activity is inappropriate, so is premarital sex, according to scripture.
“I’m sorry and regretful that those words have caused hurt to people.”