On October 26, 2012, Union University (Jackson, TN) hosted Christopher Yuan for the Holy Sexuality Conference, a day of profound testimony and insightful teaching on biblical sexuality. The event drew over 750 students, eager to engage with topics of faith, identity, and redemption. Before chapel, Christopher had the privilege to be the guest of honor at a breakfast with the University’s Office of Spiritual life and Residential Life staff.
During the chapel service, Christopher shared his transformative journey from being active in the gay community to embracing a life centered on Christ. His testimony highlighted the power of God’s grace in the midst of personal brokenness. As reported by Cardinal & Cream, Union University’s student publication, Christopher emphasized that “change is not the absence of struggle, but it’s the freedom to choose holiness in the midst of our struggles.”
Following the chapel service, Christopher led a breakout session titled “Homosexuality and the Christian Campus: A Redemptive Response,” which included a Q&A segment. He challenged the campus community to cultivate an environment where individuals are “broken over [their] own sin and compassionate and encouraging to others as they fight the desire to sin.” He further urged Christians to embody the Gospel, stating, “I never would have considered the Gospel if I hadn’t seen the Gospel lived out in my parents’ lives.”
Christopher introduced the concept of holy sexuality, that is, faithfulness in biblical marriage or chastity in singleness. He encouraged students to find their identity in Christ rather than in their sexuality, reminding them that “our feelings don’t define us.”
The event left a lasting impact on the Union University community, prompting reflection on how to approach complex issues with both grace and truth. Christopher’s visit underscored the importance of living out the Gospel authentically, fostering compassionate accountability, and supporting one another in the pursuit of holiness.
For an article of Christopher’s visit and the discussions that took place, you can read the full student newspaper article by Cardinal & Cream here.
