The new Ethos-approved event, Tea and Tough Talks, at Oklahoma Christian University is aimed to provide students with the opportunity to have contentious discussions, such as #ChurchToo, in a safe place.
The Oklahoma Christian Multicultural Committee developed the event to provide an avenue for challenging conversations among students on campus, according to freshman Joanna Stewart.
“We really just wanted to think of ideas to better the campus specifically around diversity – discussing ideas and opportunities to have some of the tougher conversations that are in the world now,” Stewart said. “I think the heart behind it is to allow for a safe space for college students to develop the skills to have tough conversations and try to come to a conclusion, or at least develop your own idea on certain topics.”
According to Stewart, one of the most important parts of the event is creating a place for students to come and express their opinions, learn and share with people who have differing opinions.
“Our first topic will be #ChurchToo, which goes along with the #MeToo hashtag dealing with assault on women in particular and how it also happens in the church,” senior Darby Franks said.
#ChurchToo is the discussion that sexual abuse can take place in an area that is usually considered a safe place, where people would never expect to be harmed. The hashtag began a movement for people to come forward and share their experiences with sexual harassment and abuse.
“I think there tends to be an attitude around social contemporary topics, certain people tend to take the ‘in the world but not of it’ too far,” Franks said. “We have to be aware of what’s going on and the bad things that happen to fellow Christians.”
According to Stewart, having a discussion group like Tea and Tough Talks can influence a Christian campus particularly, because as Christians, sometimes it’s easy to turn a blind eye to challenging topics.
“I think it’s important on a college campus in general, because as young adults, we need to know where we stand on topics that are maybe controversial or uncomfortable to think about,” Franks said. “And specifically on a Christian campus, because I think we, as Christians, need to be equipped to face tough conversations. Some of the most important things in the world today are uncomfortable to talk about.”
Franks said all students are invited to the new event, regardless of their opinions, and the committee hopes to provide a safe atmosphere where all opinions are respectfully heard.
“You don’t have to believe one way or another to come,” Franks said. “This is for anyone who wants to come and learn more and share with others their opinions.”
The next Tea and Tough Talks is scheduled for Feb. 6 in the Brew Conference Room from 8-9 p.m.
0
0
Be First to Comment