On the UW's sprawling and highly liberated campus, it's hard to imagine how different other campuses — even those within the same city — can be.

Imagine, however, if signs like those displayed throughout campus last week debunking myths about bisexuality, were not only prohibited, but considered amoral.

Imagine if, instead of merely regulating crime and vandalism, campus codes included prohibitions about premarital sex and "homosexual sexual activities."

Based on how comfortable I've become with notions of sexual diversity during my four years at the UW, and how much progress the University has made in support of its awareness, I'm guessing significantly fewer individuals would attend such a hypothetical campus.

Such is the case, however, at Seattle Pacific University, which was founded by Free Methodists and has more than 3,800 students. A rigorous and lauded institution, SPU is known for its Christian focus and stringent conservatism.

Which is why an event that occurred earlier this month at SPU should give us all pause for reflection.

According to the the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, hundreds of students gathered for a conversation with Equality Ride — a cross-country bus tour that stops at universities who they claim discrimination against gay and lesbian students and fosters conservations on the topic.

"I love you guys as brothers and sisters in Christ," said an SPU student, who went on to note parts of the Bible that can be interpreted to condemn homosexuality, according to the Seattle P-I. "How do you guys reconcile that?"

Obviously a question that allows for no easy response, but one I am truly glad is being asked in this context.

Equality Ride members discussed Genesis — the first book of the Bible, which includes the creation story — and provided explanations that did it not exclude homosexuality. Accordingly, an SPU professor offered a response.

A question and answer session followed, including such personal and Biblical queries as, when did they know they were gay? What was it like for them to visit SPU? How can the university continue this conversation?

As an individual with a partial background in parochial schooling, conversations like these give me hope.

Though I attended a Catholic high school that was socially liberal in some regards, little was done to foster any large-scale conversation around sexuality — much less sexual diversity.

Such an environment engenders a sense of fear and shame around the issue and ultimately makes it even more difficult for questioning individuals who may be worried about violating aspects of their faith.

Though Equality Ride members noted that, despite their warm reception, gay or lesbian students would not feel comfortable at SPU because of its policies, I believe the event should be viewed as a success for SPU.

By welcoming the conversations that come with groups such as Equality Ride, SPU has taken one step closer to reconciling one of the largest debates facing the Christian church today.

It is wonderful to see the emergence of groups that are promoting the reconciliation of faith and sexuality — something I have long believed in and wished for during my education.

Though SPU may never reach the levels of diversity present at the UW — nor should it have to, as they are completely different institutions with different aims — the goal of love and acceptance of all humans should be a shared one.

Imagine if this happened at all campuses — even those outside of Seattle.

Reach columnist Maureen Trantham at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.