Samford University in Alabama Excludes 2 Pro-LGBTQ Churches from Annual Campus Ministry Fair

Following the decision made by administration at Samford University in Alabama to exclude two local churches from its annual campus ministry fair because of the churches' endorsement of same-sex marriage, a group of university graduates are speaking out against their matter. 

Recent steps taken by the university, according to the leaders of the alumni association at Samford that provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ students, show that the institution is moving in a more conservative direction.

Samford University Excluded 2 Pro-LGBTQ Churches

On Wednesday, Samford University issued its first official response to allegations that it excluded campus ministry representatives of the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination from attending a ministry fair due to the fact that both of these denominations support same-sex marriage.

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According to the report, Vaughn was informed that she would not be provided with display space at the event. Subsequently, Vaughn contacted the Reverend Emily Collette, a chaplain at Trinity Commons, a college ministry group similar to the one that is affiliated with the Episcopal Church.

Brit Blalock, a 2008 Samford alum who launched SAFE Samford in 2011, explained that after Vaughn announced her intention to attend the event on social media, Collette received a call from Samford University Campus Pastor Bobby Gatlin uninviting her to the event.

Blalock claimed that Gatlin made it clear that Vaughn's denomination's pro stance toward LGBTQ members was the driving factor, and that Gatlin made no reference to any policies she had broken. 

Also Read: Critics Blast New UK Health Secretary Therese Coffey's Pro-Life Stance 

"Be More Supportive of LGBTQ Students"

President Beck Taylor took office last year, and many people, including Coley and Blalock, hoped he would be more moderate than his predecessor. 

Based on a feature of a gay professor from Taylor's alma mater, Whitworth University, published in the New Yorker, one could suggest that Taylor would be more supportive of LGBTQ students.

As reported by