The Constitution

Haven: A Seattle Pacific University Club

Statement of Purpose

Haven recognizes with a heavy heart that issues of sexuality are threatening to tear apart the Christian church not just locally but globally. In order to build a bridge between these diverging points of view, Haven exists to first welcome all, and then to engage in uplifting, respectful, and educational discussions on human sexuality.

The following are Haven's commitments, which firmly align with Seattle Pacific University's Signature Commitments, Lifestyle Expectations, and Statement on Human Sexuality.

• A Haven is "any place of shelter and safety; refuge; asylum" (www.dictionary.com). This name has been chosen because Haven is committed to offering a safe space for faculty and students interested in having thoughtful discussions and regular fellowship around gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) issues, as well as other topics on sexuality in general. These discussions will be based on Scripture, experience, reason, and tradition. We do not seek to resolve the issues or to advocate any one standpoint as a group, but merely to be humans in dialogue about the things for which we care deeply. Haven believes this pledge invokes the SPU signature commitment that states: "We are saying here that we love the life of the mind. We love ideas. We love the vibrancy of intellectual exchange and discussion and debate. We are a university through and through. Inside and outside the classroom, we declare ourselves a learning community. What do we do with our learning? With this signature, we affirm that deep learning is the best way to change the world."
• Haven is committed to being a safe space for students who might feel isolated, ashamed, or silenced due to their sexual orientation or due to their beliefs about sexual orientation (whichever side they may fall on). Haven also exists for faculty and students who have GLBTQ family members, friends, or acquaintances and need a safe space to openly discuss these issues. This commitment is in line with the Statement on Human Sexuality, which declares that "people must be treated with respect and dignity by all institutions in society whether male or female, young or old, rich or poor, believer or unbeliever, homosexual or heterosexual." Haven believes that to treat someone with "respect and dignity" means that we have to allow them to come out of silence, listen to their story, and acknowledge their humanity.
  
• Haven is committed to using all of Scripture carefully in our discussions on human sexuality. However, biblical passages on human sexuality are open to different interpretations; therefore, as we discuss these interpretations, Haven is committed to loving God and our neighbor above all else.
  
• Haven affirms SPU's Lifestyle Expectations, namely the prohibition of "cohabitation and related forms of premarital, extra-marital or homosexual sexual activities." Even though Haven is a club that hosts discussions on human sexuality, all members will be held to SPU standards of sexual purity.

To achieve these commitments Haven's meetings will include testimonies, films, speakers from both on and off campus, and engaging discussions that shed light on issues in all areas of human sexuality that are very delicate, nuanced, and often ignored (to the detriment of the community).

Membership Requirements

• There is no official membership for this club. We will instead hold regular meetings which all who act in a respectful and loving manner are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of personal beliefs about human sexuality. We choose to go about membership in this relaxed manner due to the sensitive concept around which we are focused. Many people are not comfortable being officially connected to issues of sexuality and, instead of excluding these individuals or creating an "in-group/out-group" mentality, we have chosen to make this a space in which people are not forced to commit in an intimidating manner. All can be part of Haven; ultimately, this is our goal-- we do not intend to create absolute uniformity of beliefs, but rather encourage all members of the SPU community to approach others with humility, respect, love, and a true desire to value all in a Christ-emulating manner.
  
• For decision-making purposes, those who have attended at least three Haven meetings in a given year will be eligible to vote. Because we intend to gather in integrity and honesty, we will use the honor system when it comes to attendance.
• We will regularly maintain an email address list for the purpose of keeping attendees updated about upcoming meetings, events, and business. However, provision of an email address will never be mandatory, and we will not distribute member names. We will only tally attendance weekly for the purpose of reporting to the ASSP.
  

Officer Selection

• Original officers have been chosen by person willingness to fill positions. From now on, officers will be chosen by nomination and approved by a majority vote among the previously mentioned voting body. This selection process will take place every year, midway through Spring Quarter.
• Certain offices will vary by year and by the perception of need, but there will be two offices which will be maintained permanently:
• Facilitator: this individual will coordinate the meetings, activities, and vision of Haven. They will be the primary liaison between ASSP and the club. This position may also conceivably be split into two co-facilitator roles.
  
• Financial Administrator: this individual will oversee the budget and advise the club in issues involving finances.

Current Officers, in No Particular Order

Co-Facilitator: Joey Beckwith
Co-Facilitator: Beth Van Dam
Financial Administrator: Kelsey Hudson
Co-Facilitator: Shelly DeLaney
Co-Facilitator: Grant Rehnberg

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kevin Neuhouser