A Letter

The following letter (with the names removed) was sent to a couple of college friends from a long, long, long time ago. Like many others, they questioned whether the assertion of my rights was the best Christian response. I believe it was and would do it again for some of the reasons that are below (and some others that are more personal). I hope this helps some understand why we did what we did.



March 14, 2007


Dear C & B,
Thanks for your note and your expression of care and prayer. I appreciate both your question and the spirit in which you asked it. Others have had similar questions so I will try my best to help you understand my perspective on the “rights” issue.

I guess if life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights – rights given to us by God according to our country’s Christian founding fathers – then I am guilty as charged in asserting my rights. That first right has particular significance to me because the ignorance and hate of society, often especially from Christians, almost caused the end of my life. Because of the university’s decision to, I believed, violate federal and state laws, I became severely depressed at the contract restrictions placed on me. One day I sat with a gun in my lap and actually composed an email that began with the words, “By the time you read this, I will be dead.” In that moment, I decided that instead of taking my life I would stand up to bigotry and discrimination for myself and thousands like me who have no voice. To me “asserting my rights” is on a higher, Godly plane than submitting – not to God – but to a perversion of Christianity that uses Christian language to defend hate, exclusion, and bullying.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, Spring Arbor University (SAU) willing committed to prescribed standards of non-discrimination. SAU’s EEO statement and statement on their commitment to diversity were even stronger. In filing my EEO complaint I was simply trying to help SAU be an institution of integrity by holding them accountable for commitments they had publicly made. I guess that can also be seen as “asserting my rights” but it is also an issue of corporate integrity and Christian witness. Should Christian organizations be able to get the significant benefits gained by being an EEO employer while ignoring EEO law? Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate by clothing their bigotry in the robes of Christianity? I don’t think so, so I asserted my rights and filed a complaint. I only did this after having 11 people of Christian maturity pray with me about this. I asked them (some of them university employees and some quite conservative) if they saw any “yellow or red lights” in my intended action. None did and 8 of the 11 said, “You need to do this right away.”

At another level, my actions were for more than just me. There are thousands who share my medical diagnosis and treatment who are unable or unwilling to stand up for their rights. In consequence they often suffer the loss of jobs, family, health, and sometimes life itself. For over a month, I have heard from people all across the world at the rate of 10-12 letters or emails a day saying that my actions give them hope. I have spoken at a number of college and university campuses, averaged 2-3 media interviews a day (print, radio, and TV), and will be testifying before state legislators in April and Congress in May. Joanne and I have consistently seen God’s hand in this and see the actions of Christ for the disenfranchised as a powerful example for us to follow. Two people have said that my actions have given them enough hope to go on with life. The disenfranchised need the voice of others.

I guess if you were to be consistent in arguing against “asserting our rights” one would have to have been opposed to the abolitionists and suffragettes, Martin Luther King, and the modern day advocates of disability rights. Slavery would still exist, women would still be treated like property, Blacks would be still riding in the back of the bus, and the disabled would still be expected to sell pencils on the curbside. Joanne and I have responded to God’s call in our life and, in the process, have grown immeasurably stronger in our relationship to each other and more confident than ever of our faithfulness to His rule in our lives. We believe – in contrast to some in the Church – that Christ died for people like me as well as them.

Even the Apostle Paul asserted his rights (with little hope of success) when he perceived a greater good available. Ultimately we may have little hope for immediate victory (although our discrimination case has reached a mediated settlement with which we are very happy), but do believe it is still worth the effort. At Eastern Michigan University on Monday night, Joanne and I spoke for about 45 minutes and then took questions for nearly an hour. Near the end of that time a student stood up and made a statement instead of asking a question. She said, “You two have changed my life forever. I now have a new definition of love.” You see, as we have been telling our story we have had opportunities to share our love and our faith. Jesus said, “My disciples will be known by their love.” We are excited about sharing that love.

So, if you can keep praying we both will appreciate it. Feel free to keep asking questions. If you want to email me, I will be glad to send you more information. Thank you again for taking the time to reach out and express your concern and care.

All the best.

Your sister in Christ,


Julie Nemecek

Settlement

After 13+ hours over two days, the university and I have reached a "mutually satisfactory" settlement. Part of the nature of EEOC mediation is that the process and details of settlement cannot be discussed. Joanne and I are grinning and I am hoping to do some consulting and speaking (hopefully eventually for income), write a book, and do ongoing lobbying for changes in the laws and societal responses related to transgender people. I may also teach some. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to seek to be faithful to God's leading in our lives.

Joanne and I met with an auditorium full of Eastern Michigan University students (mostly) and some faculty last night. We told our story for about 45 minutes and then answered questions for nearly an hour. Near the end of the time, a student stood up and made a statement instead of asking a question. She said, "The two of you have changed my life forever. I now have a new definition of love." Moments like that make the occasional hassles all worthwhile.

There's a Lot of Mis-information Out There

I have seen a lot of posts on the blogosphere that are factually incorrect on the basics of my Father's situation. Sometimes their whole logic falls apart. I think many of these are honest mistakes, or the result of the knee-jerk reaction of bloggers to emote about a story, even if they haven't read it all correctly. I ran across one today that made me laugh. It was just another example of not getting all the facts straight.

From the blog "Cheat Seeking Missiles" which ironically claims "precision guided logic bombs to destroy biased purveyors of 'Dem'entia" comes this quote (emphasis added, spelling as in the original):

The college cited a community covenant all employees must sign, affirming biblical principles and tht they will "model Christian character to our students." They are not required to be Free Methodists, according to U prez Gayle D. Beebe, but, she (and she is a she) told the WSJ, "It's an expectation they will be acting out the Christian faith both in the way they teach and in the way they live."

I have it on good sources that Dr. Gayle D. Beebe is in fact, a man (or at least he presents as one).

Mediation Update

My Father spent 7 1/2 hours in mediation today with his lawyer and a team of lawyers from Spring Arbor University. Mediation is to resume on Monday. Most of the other goings on of the mediation are kept in confidence (that's how these things go).

Rules and Relationships

The story of the Bible is one of God saving us from ourselves. It is like a Shakespearean tragedy with a twist. We are the tragically flawed, but the perfect character is the one that makes the sacrifice. The most phenomenal part about the whole thing, is that he does this to save us. More than anything God desires a relationship with us, and that we have good relationships with one another. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. It is a tragedy to see the Bible taken as "God's instruction book" and used to destroy relationships.

The first sin of mankind was giving in on a temptation to a false promise: To know good and evil; to be like God. The consequence was broken relationships with God, and lives filled with misery. Man used his newfound "wisdom" to try to judge God and his wife (don't try this at home). God gave us 10 simple rules, but we couldn't even follow those. More rules followed, and more transgressions. By the time Jesus arrives on the scene, we think we have it all figured out. Our "holiest" men, the Pharisees, tell the Son of God how it really is. Jesus breaks a number of their silly rules, and relates to people in amazing ways. Not only that, he performs miracles to bring the outcasts back in to society, and heals the relationally broken, even raising the dead.

Jesus chose the twelve brightest scribes to be his disciples, right? No. He assembled a motley crew of folks who would be with him wherever he went. 2000 years later, we have the Bible in hundreds of different languages. What reason do we have to think we can understand good and evil any better? We do have the Holy Spirit. The wonderful thing about the Holy Spirit is it guides us in our own lives, and helps us know right from wrong. It is also something we can share with others in community, but the Spirit doesn't tell us when others do wrong.

The tragedy of The Church is that it spends so much effort in trying to figure out good and evil, and not enough time living in relationships with real people. The rules in the Bible are there for a good reason. They're meant to help us in our relationships with one another and with God. They tell us how to relate. They are perfect. We, however, are not. If we are honest with ourselves, there are a lot of "rules" in the Bible that we don't understand. There are probably even more rules that we think we understand. Maybe it's time to let go of that temptation to know all good and evil. We have the Spirit to guide us on our way, and maybe that's enough. Maybe it's enough to know what is good and evil for me to do.

The situation with my father and Spring Arbor University is just one more example of a broken situation, a broken relationship. Can I point a finger at one side or the other and say "you've done this?" It would be only too easy to blame the serpent for all our tragic flaws. It isn't easy (is it possible?) to understand what God's divine law really says here (and only slightly easier to understand U.S. Law). What we can do is focus on doing something positive, mending our own broken relationships.

God, I pray that you would be with my parents, Spring Arbor University, and lawyers for both parties as they attempt to mediate tomorrow. Let your Holy Spirit guide the situation and work in these relationships. I pray that in the middle of this mess, You would receive the glory, and that Your will would be done. Amen.

Media and Mediation

I'm wondering what effect media coverage of this will affect the mediation session that is less than two weeks away. The story refuses to die down (recently hitting Internet mega-site BoingBoing). Will SAU be too irate with the coverage to offer any deal? I could also see SAU being compelled to seek a quicker solution, before the story gets any bigger. Less than two weeks remain until the mediation, but for today's media, that is like an eternity. I'm interested to know what others think on this.

Is Spring Arbor More Extreme than Pat Robertson?

Pat Robertson is often quoted in the media as an "extremist" Christian for some of the things he says. Personally, I don't know much about what he says except the stuff that gets trotted out by the media. So, I was quite suprised to find something on the internet suggesting that Pat Robertson wasn't against gender reassignment surgery (though he is not for it either). Here is a question and answer from the 700 Club's website (emphasis added):

"Q: I have a friend that I have known since we were kids who has considered getting a sex change. Is it wrong and a sin for a person to change their sex from being male to female or from being female to male?

A: Such an option did not exist in the Bible. Nobody could ever do such a thing. It is very radical surgery. They literally change organs from male to female and vice versa. It’s pretty traumatic. And on top of that, they shoot the person full of the various hormones, either estrogen or testosterone, to make it happen. Is it a sin? I can’t say it’s a sin, because I don’t have any biblical authority one way or the other. But the Bible says wherever you were when you came to the Lord, you stay that way. I think that probably would be closer to it, what the apostle Paul said. But I can’t pontificate on this one, but I do feel sorry for those that are in that condition."

I'm not sure what verse he is trying to bring up at the end there, but I found it interesting that Pat Robertson would have a fairly moderate stance on this issue. It seems he made an effort to research the issue before he answered, and came to a very different position than Spring Arbor's so-called Biblical position.

Feb 12 Statement

The following is the text of my remarks at the student-initiated rally in support of me.

Statement from Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek
Spring Arbor, Michigan - February 12, 2007

It is very appropriate that we are gathering on Lincoln’s birthday to speak against oppression and discrimination. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the brave students, faculty, and friends who have taken the time to join with me this morning in standing against fear. There is a heavy blanket of fear that smothers this campus. There are over 145 members of a group called “We Support Julie Marie Nemecek”. Many of the Spring Arbor University students in that number are not here this morning for fear of reprisals. Many faculty members and staff are not here for fear of losing their job for exercising their first amendment right of free speech. I believe that the best antidote for fear is truth. The Apostle Paul says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” Someone said, “Courage is realizing that there is something more important than your fears.” Thank you for your courage. We will not let intimidating fear – whether born from prejudice or ignorance – defeat the truth.

Truth. I have done nothing wrong in telling the university of my recognized medical diagnosis and the absolute, life-saving necessity of adhering to the prescribed standards of care.

Truth. I support the university’s statement of faith.

Truth. In the classroom, the university teaches an affirmative understanding of my diagnosis and treatment at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Truth. There is no sin in living in joyful celebration for how God has made you. In the words of the Psalmist, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” by a God who knew me – and who I would become – from the womb.

Truth. I love you all for being here.

I want to conclude with a few lines from Spring Arbor University’s statement on their commitment to diversity:

“Valuing the dignity of every human being is part of the historic legacy of our founding denomination.” . . . “Jesus Christ is the perspective for our learning, and through Him, we are called to move beyond mere tolerance of each other to genuine acceptance and mutually transformative learning.” . . . “Therefore, we will seek ways to invite and welcome diversity into our community.”

Let’s pray. Father God, help us to live the love you have called us to live, both in loving you and loving all you have created. Deliver us from fear. Bring your peace to this place and let justice roll down like a mighty river. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Some Responses to Media Coverage

A number of articles have followed a wrong thread in an early AP article which suggested that I was showing up as a woman on SAU's campus in 2005. Other than my long nails and modest make-up, I have not been on SAU's campus as me. At their insistence I have cross-dressed (bearing false witness) and appeared as John.

I was surprised and deeply disappointed in Rev. Ramundo's omniscient declaration (2/13 article in the Jackson Citizen Patriot) on behalf of the entire church concerning my "sin", especially since he knows better. I met with Rev. Ramundo to discuss some earlier false gossip about me that was attributed to him. He apologized and indicated that he was "misquoted". He never called my need to follow the prescribed medical treatment for my medical diagnosis a sin. In fact, he was suprised when I told him that the Free Methodist Book of Discipline (which despite Rev. Ramundo's proclamations is the official voice of the church) talked about gender identity issues. In section A/331.5 it calls gender identity issues an "ethical dilemma: along with such things as "allocation of finite resources, organ transplantation, end-of-life concerns". Nowhere does the Free Methodist Book of Discipline identify my medical diagnosis or treatment as sin. Rev. Ramundo knew all of this, but decided to portray his own prejudice as the teaching of the church. For shame.

I need to correct Spring Arbor University's characterization of me as having escalated the situation. I did file an EEO complaint, but that came after the university suggested that wearing a university T-shirt to the store or golfing with SAU friends could be considered contract violations; an escalation will beyond the already clearly illegal conditions of my contract. To date, the university has still refused to identify the "Biblical principles" I have supposedly violated. I remain in full support of SAU's statement of faith.

Finally, Pastor Leo Cummings' letter to the editor (Jackson Citizen Patriot 2/13) is helpful. A rational, loving dialogue on the Bible and medical science might be helpful. It would have saved the life of Galileo, helped avoid slavery, and saved the lives of many women in Salem. Is our view of the authority of the Bible so fragile that we must react defensively to scientific truths that question our long-held beliefs? I don't think the Bible will be proven wrong, but our beliefs about what the Bible teaches have many times been shown to be in error. Most churches are now willing to acknowledge that the Bible doesn't teach that the earth is flat. Some may still be debating the fact.

Can Any Good Come of This?

The title above is my attempt to paraphrase a number of critics who think my dad should just "pack it in and find a new job." I responded earlier today to someone expressing similar sentiment. Right after replying, I found an e-mail in my inbox from a pastor who is close to what is going on with my father. I can't say whether he'd support my father or SAU (possibly neither), but here is what he had to say:

Last week I sent a letter to my people, explaining the situation and my response in detail. Yesterday we spent the day dealing with this issue as a congregation. In the morning service, I used my own experience to explain our Christian responsibility to love those who are hurting. I wrestled with God over this message the whole week. By Saturday night I was defeated, but I didn't have time to write the sermon. So, I had to preach without much preparation. I think I broke nearly every rule of preaching. However, it was clear that God was moving in our hearts. I confessed my own failure and anger. I pleaded with the people to learn from my sin and love instead of hate. I took a risk and put myself out there to be beaten and bruised. I was overwhelmed to see the congregation respond with one heart. Instead of criticism, anger or pain, they loved. There was confession, and hugging and a sincere desire to face our fears and love others. Many, including myself, were afraid this news would divide the church. Instead, we have been revived. One person said this would not have happened years ago. It was a refreshing and healing morning.

In the evening we had a short meeting, but I had announced that anyone who had questions could come after the meeting. I promised to stay until every question was answered. We talked and faced some hard issues together. We examined God's word and we expressed our true selves -- no more Sunday masks. After two hours, everyone had an expression of awe. The word "wow" was heard throughout the building. People stayed after and talked, cried, and hugged. One young lady said "I don't ever want to leave here no matter what happens."

This is just one instance of God using this situation to change people in a positive way. I'm inspired by this pastor's courage to face the situation with brutal honesty and integrity.

A few other points to make regarding the titular question:
1. God decides what happens in the future, we don't. As Romans 8:28 says: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose." Claiming that this situation will bring terrible things to SAU, or "the body of Christ" flies in the face of God's promise. Be careful of underestimating God's power.
2. You can only live your calling. The actions of others may be hard to understand, and even seem detrimental, but it is God who takes our sacrifices and makes them good.
3. If you find yourself in a situation that you can't find any good in, do what you can to make some. Jesus raised the dead. He turned funerals into joyful celebrations. In the Old Testament, Benaiah pursued a lion into a snowy pit and killed it. How's that for making a bad situation good?

CitPat Runs Follow-up Article

The story has again made front page in Jackson. They even mention this blog. I won't ramble about it this time, I'll just give you the link. You can tell me what you think in the comments section.

Things Get Ugly at the Extremes

As I said in an earlier post, I think there is a lot of room for differences of opinion within the Church on the issue of what to think about the Transgendered. It isn't easy to define a solid position for or against it based on clearly applicable scriptures. There are a lot of verses at the periphery of the issue, and if you pick from those, you can come up with very different theologies. So, in light of that, it really bothers me when Christians resort first to attacking other Christians for their different interpretations. I'd challenge anyone who thinks that their theology captures all that God is to reconcile with Romans 11:33. Or, as Shakespeare would say: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Two clergy have taken up opposite extremes, each bashing the other, and I wanted to make it clear I don't think either of them are helping things.

The first is the "MadPriest," an Anglican priest from England. He posts the article from the CitPat with the heading "Today's Complete and Utter Bastards Are: Spring Arbor University." From perusing his blog, I think he is intentionally over the top, but I don't think it is helpful to having a reasonable discussion. I appreciate his support for my Father, but I don't think he has to bash fellow Christians to do it.

The second may be worse than the first. This one comes from the superintendant of the southern Michigan conference of the Free Methodist Church, Pastor Tom Ramundo. He tries to tar my father by association in noting that the whole thing "seems very carefully orchestrated" to advance the gay agenda. My dad's not gay, and he'll be the first to tell you there is a difference between being transgender and being gay (or maybe he'd be the second to tell you, and my mom the first, I'm not sure which). The article continues to quote him: "I know that university really well, and I know its leadership," he says. "I am sure they have endeavored to treat him in a redemptive way." The Free Methodist superintendent describes the situation as "just one of those issues where there’s that tension between love and purity, and the school’s just finally having to take a strong biblical stand." Of course, he doesn't say what makes this position "biblical" (they continue to be silent about what the Bible has to say about things). It just seems very arrogant and reckless to me placing his confidence in his personal relationships with the walking saints that apparently govern Spring Arbor. The facts: they told him to lie; kept him from relating with his fellow colleagues; and did everything they could to keep him out of sight. I don't see how this is meant to be redemptive. I could go on about the attrocities commited in the name of "purity" but that might be unfairly lumping someone together with something they are obviously not, and I'm trying to avoid that.

The Legal Side of Things

There are many ways to look at my Father's situation with Spring Arbor University. Among these are: moral/ethical; theological; economic; cultural; political; and legal. I've touched on a few of the other areas, but I wanted to say something about the legal side of things. I am not a lawyer, obviously, but I live in DC, so I get some legal-mindedness by osmosis. There are a number of freedoms from the Bill of Rights and EEO laws that enter the discussion here: Freedom of Speech (and expression); Freedom of Religion; Freedom of the Press; and Freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, or creed (I'm sure I'm missing some there). The Bill of Rights offers protections first to individuals - "the People." The freedoms apply not only to individuals, but organizations as well, though some restrictions are placed on organizations. We'd hardly want to trade the tyranny of government for tyranny of some other organization, so the Bill of Rights protects the rights of each individual over those of organizations except in certain circumstances as defined by law. SAU could have claimed those exemptions if they were primarily a religious institution or owned by a religious institution, or if they had a "BFOQ" (Bonafide Occupational Qualification). I don't think they've satisfied either condition, but as I said, I'm no lawyer. If you want to know what a lawyer has to say about all of this, check out this blog on my father's claim.

Of course, I'm not the only one with a legal opinion. A Conservative blogger at HumanEvents.com claims that if my father's claim is upheld it would "be a serious blow to freedoms of religion and association." He seems misinformed in some areas, often confusing "sex" and "gender" and resorts to hyperbole to try and prove his point. I don't know if I should even take this blogger seriously, but their claims that upholding my Father's claim would harm freedom of religion and association seem to turn the situation on its head. The University forced my father to accept a contract that restricted his religious freedom, freedom of association, and freedom of speech. Overturning that contract does not "damage" freedom, it restores it.

Radio interview

Radio interview from a few days ago available at this link.

Trying to catch up

I'm doing a lot of catching up on how the news is spreading across the Internet. I found one YouTube video of a vlogger from Jackson and her reaction to the news story. There have been a few vitriolic posts (on both sides), and I'll get to those, but I wanted to share this video. Enjoy.

Slideshow Added to CitPat Website

A slideshow has been added to the Jackson Citizen Patriot website that includes photos of my dad en femme at home with my mom. The video is a little under five minutes long and is narrated by my parents.

Jackson CitPat Breaks My Father's Story

Today my Dad made the newspaper. The Jackson Citizen Patriot put the story of my transgendered father on the front page, and did a follow up 2-page story in the features section. Right now, only the front page article is available at the CitPat site, so I've provided a link to the document given to my Dad by the CitPat. The purpose of this blog is to tell the story about my Dad from my own perspective. Local newspapers will tell a story, national news will present an issue, and I hope to help you understand the characters in the "story."

To me, this isn't a national issue, or a local interest story, it is a personal one. I realize that people may take this issue and use it to advance some greater cause, and that any court decisions will set precedent, but I think we have to be careful about extrapolating on a single instance to create policy. Anyway, we'll save that rant for another time.

Let's take a look at how the CitPat did with the story. Generally, I think they did a pretty good job with a difficult story. At times however, they seemed to have strayed towards some unhelpful stereotypes that I don't find helpful. Spring Arbor seems to be cast as hypocritical "puritans" (or Free Methodists) with a "squeaky-clean reputation." I don't think Spring Arbor is being disingenuous. I also don't think Spring Arbor has ever had a squeaky-clean reputation with those who are close to it. That isn't to say that they are highly immoral, but what do you expect from an organization of admitted sinners? I'd hope for a little more grace, but I digress. I'm giving Spring Arbor the benefit of the doubt that they have some real convictions here, but I wish they'd share them, because I'm confused about what they really believe. They declined to comment on this article, and that bothers me. If they believe their position is Gospel, they should not be ashamed of it, and should use opportunities like this one to say what they really believe. It might help them establish a BFOQ.

Also this statement seems a bit too broad: "Evangelical Christians consider homosexual behavior an abomination, a sin against God. Those under the broad transgender umbrella are guilty by association." The Church is actually quite diverse, and the characterization of "Evangelical Christians" all believing anything (outside of The Creed) is probably an overstatement. It is a disservice to The Church to have an image of being so narrow-minded. I believe in a God that is bigger than any single viewpoint can capture. There are many disagreements in The Church, but I don't think it necessarily means one is right and the other is wrong. If you consider yourself an Evangelical Christian, and disagree with the quoted statement above, you can let the CitPat know by e-mailing a letter to the editor to Ken Wyatt at kwyatt@citpat.com.

If you'd like to play a part in bringing this situation to a resolution, you can contact the President of Spring Arbor University, Gayle Beebe at gbeebe@arbor.edu and Chief of Staff Damon Seacott at dseacott@arbor.edu. Please, don't send hate mail.