Conversations: Building a Bridge
A gay journalist and evangelical pastor correct their mutual misperceptions.
By Wendy Murray Zoba | posted 7/13/00 | posted 7/10/2000 12:00AM

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Cullen: Even more than symbolic gestures, like what Falwell did, would be ministers' interacting with those people in some way, maybe just taking someone out for coffee.
Oudemolen: Dave's been to church a half-dozen times this year after I invited him and he came. The gay community could look at evangelicals and say, "This is the enemy"; evangelicals can look over there and say, "They are the enemy." But instead we have each walked across the bridge. We've met each other in the middle, and we have established a dialogue and a relationship that I value.
Related Elsewhere
Previous Christianity Today articles on dialogue between gay and evangelical communities include:"The Jerry We Never Knew" (May 2, 2000) and "Just Saying 'No' Is Not Enough" (Oct. 4, 1999)Dave Cullen's work is accessible at Salon.com, including his articles about whether Bernall said "Yes" and "I Smell the Presence of Satan."Bill Oudemolen's e-mail address can be found at Foothills Bible Church site.A Littleton Press article and an American Spectator story both involve lengthy interviews in which Oudemolen expresses his hope that the Columbine tragedy will become an opportunity to proclaim the gospel on a national scale.Oudemolen has also written for Leadership, another Christianity Today sister publication, on trusting God and dramatic preaching.Brill's ContentsaysNew York Post reporter David Li was "genuinely moved" when, during the Columbine media frenzy, Oudemolen praised sensitive news reporters. "I wrote it down," said Li, "because I've never seen those two words together—sensitive and journalist."Previous Christianity Today articles on the Columbine shootings include:Columbine's Tortuous Road to Healing | One year later, survivor's recovery is filled with painful twists and turns. (April 14, 2000)Videos of Hate | Columbine killers harbored anti-Christian prejudice. (Jan. 26, 2000)Retailers Marketing Martyrdom to Teens | Littleton Massacre Now Merchandise Opportunity (Nov. 12, 1999)Cassie Said Yes, They Said No | The mainstream press unquestionably accepted Salon.com's "debunking" of the Columbine confession. (November 1, 1999)Do You Believe in God? | Columbine and the stirring of America's soul. (October 4, 1999)Tough Love Saved Cassie | The Bernall's discuss their family's struggle to keep Christ at the center of their lives. (October 4, 1999)Today's Christian Woman, a Christianity Today sister publication, also covered the Littleton tragedy with articles from the perspective of Columbine's teachers and a student's parent.
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