LOMA LINDA, Calif. — Loma Linda University confirmed today that Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner has accepted an invitation to speak at a Women’s Ministries symposium to be held at the university this fall. “Currently we as Adventists do a lot of talking but embarrassingly little listening in regards to subcultures and lifestyles that we do not condone,” said Loma Linda spokesperson Karen McLarty. “It is time to rethink our approach. We are happy that Caitlyn Jenner has accepted our invitation to share her experience of becoming a woman.”
As a male, then-Bruce Jenner stunned the world first as an Olympic athlete in the 1970s and later as a motivational speaker and, most recently, as a cast member on the television reality show, “Keeping up with the Kardashians.”
A believer in God, Jenner has said that she believes she has been put on this earth to help bring awareness to the lives and struggles of transgender people. Jenner has repeatedly stated that she wishes “to do some good” with her platform.
“Just because we don’t agree with the lifestyle decisions of a group of people doesn’t mean that we should heartlessly judge and shun them,” said McLarty. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we as Adventists were known for the kind of brave love and listening ear that Jesus had for prostitites and other social outcasts of his day? So often we stop short of the courageous love Christianity promotes because we fear the appearance of compromise. Meanwhile we completely miss the point as we insulate ourselves from a hurting world.”
