Gay University Students Urge Campus Review of Priest’s Anti-Gay Marriage Stance

Damian Legacy and Blake Bergen, two George Washington University students, have sparked national attention for their concerns regarding Father Greg Shaffer, the campus priest who opposes same-sex marriage. The students, both in their early 20s, argue that Shaffer’s stance has created an environment where some gay students feel intimidated and ashamed. Bergen, a Jewish student, and Legacy, an ordained priest in the North American Old Catholic Church, claim they are not seeking to remove Shaffer from campus but rather to ensure the university upholds its anti-discrimination policies consistently.

Legacy, who is part of the North American Old Catholic Church, emphasized that he holds the same rights and responsibilities as a Catholic priest. The church, which seeks to offer a more inclusive form of Catholicism, is one of several Old Catholic denominations, including the Utrecht Union and the Polish National Catholic Church, that have historically diverged from the Roman Catholic Church on issues of doctrine and practice. The students’ effort focuses on advocating for the university to take a more active role in determining who can serve as adult religious leaders on campus, ensuring that students of all backgrounds are treated fairly.

The students have called for the university to assess whether Shaffer or the Newman Center, the Catholic student center run by the Archdiocese of Washington, are in violation of the institution’s anti-discrimination policies. They also seek a system for vetting and confirming all campus religious leaders. Their goal, they said, is to strengthen religious community on campus while ensuring that no student feels discriminated against due to their sexual orientation, race, or gender.

Bergen expressed hope that the university’s Office of Religious Life would become more engaged in addressing these concerns. He stated that the current level of activity from the office is insufficient and that a stronger presence could help foster a more inclusive environment. The students have clarified that their request does not include removing Shaffer from campus, as some media reports have suggested. Instead, they are focused on ensuring that the university’s policies are applied fairly and consistently across all religious groups.

The students’ initiative highlights ongoing tensions between religious institutions and secular universities regarding the role of faith in campus life. Their call for greater accountability and inclusivity reflects broader discussions within the Old Catholic churches and other denominations about how to balance tradition with contemporary values. As the conversation continues, the students remain committed to their goal of promoting fairness and respect for all students.

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