Q&A: Aimee Mann at Messiah College


The Student Activities Board (SAB) at Messiah College recently announced that it will be hosting a concert by Grammy-and Oscar- nominated singer and songwriter Aimee Mann on December 14. Rock for Life, a Christian pro-life activist organization, has recently been contacting current Messiah students and alumni, as well as members of the local and regional media to protest Ms. Mann's visit to Messiah College, describing her as a "pro-abortion" musician. Read new developments on this issue. Understandably, this has generated active conversation both on and off campus. In order to help the Messiah community better understand the facts and issues surrounding Aimee Mann's pending visit to Messiah, the College has created this web site to help create understanding about the student dialogue happening on campus, and to summarize some of the most frequently asked questions we have heard on this issue – as well as the College's response. Read also the Student Activities Board's Response, and an open letter from Messiah students.

Q: Why is there controversy on the issue of abortion surrounding Aimee Mann's pending visit to Messiah College?
A: In its research, the College has been unable to identify any public statements or stance from Ms. Mann about her personal views on abortion; this is not an issue for which she is a public advocate, spokesperson, or fundraiser, nor does her music reflect this theme. On its web site, Rock for Life explains that they describe Aimee Mann as a "pro-abortion" musician because six years ago (1996) she participated in the "Safe and Sound" project, in which she gave permission for one of her singles to be part of a compilation CD, whose proceeds went to help prevent violence against women at health clinics. This project was in direct response to the fatal shootings of two female employees at women's health clinics in the Boston area in 1994.

While the College did not know about Ms. Mann's involvement with the "Safe and Sound" project prior to inviting her to campus, we did know that as a secular performing artist, her personal views may not all necessarily reflect a Christian world view. However, at Messiah, we think it's important for students to experience world views that may be different from their own, so that they can learn how to think critically, grow in their faith, and responsibly address socially relevant issues. Our educational approach as a Christian college is not to shelter students from their culture—but to equip them to effectively engage their culture for Christ.

Q: What is Messiah College's stance on abortion?
A: As a community, the College affirms the value, sanctity and dignity of all human life in accordance with Scripture.

Q: Who invited Aimee Mann to perform at Messiah?
A: Messiah's Student Activity Board invited Aimee Mann to perform at Messiah because they believed that she was an artist that had socially relevant themes in her music—like addiction and human connection and suffering—that could create an interesting learning experience and conversation on campus. SAB is promoting discussion forums and articles in the student newspaper where students can have conversation about what is the appropriate Christian response to the issues in Ms. Mann's music. Read the SAB response letter. Read open student letter.

Q: Why would Messiah College want to invite secular performers to campus?
A: Messiah College welcomes exposure to a variety of intellectual perspectives and artistic expressions while maintaining the belief that those expressions be evaluated from a Christian world view. As a result, student organizations may invite artists and performers to campus who promote intellectual, emotional, or spiritual growth—as long as the opportunity for constructive dialogue exists.

Both Christian and secular performers are selected for their ability to stimulate constructive thought, communicate, deepen understanding, and sharpen critical judgement in ways that will help achieve our mission of maturing young people in their intellect, character and Christian faith. When they leave Messiah, students need to know how to interact with their culture, what to do when they're faced with issues they disagree with, and how to be salt and light in a complex world that won't necessarily reflect their own Christian world view.

Q: Does Messiah College also support Christian performing artists?
A: Messiah has a strong tradition of bringing many excellent Christian artists to perform on campus—including in recent years—John Reuben, Out of Eden, Bebo Norman, Audio Adrenaline, Plumb, Out of the Grey and Caedmon's Call. Many of our students have expressed that they don't feel that it needs to be "either or," and that they can learn from both Christian and secular artists.

Q: Does the College plan to cancel the concert?
A: After carefully researching and processing this issue with students and administrators, Messiah College is not planning on cancelling the concert, which is scheduled for December 14. More concert information.