Saint Ross Condemns Sorority Hussies, Others

Package compiled by Connect2Mason Director Grace Kendall & Broadside Editor-in-Chief Nicole Ocran. Photos by Broadside Photography Editor Courtney Erland.

While preachers at the Free Speech Zone are not uncommon at George Mason University, the first of this semester evoked a strong student reaction.

A tall black man wearing suspenders and carrying a Bible and a large jug of water identifying himself only as “Saint Ross” was using the Free Speech Zone today to preach his Christian ideals to the masses of George Mason.

He pursued a number of controversial subjects, including homosexuality, the war in Iraq and the roles of women in society. Many students crowded around to observe the spectacle and provoke a reaction from the speaker.

“He’s a pretty snazzy dresser for someone who hates all things materialistic,” said junior English major Zach Lewis. “It’s like junk food. It’s not healthy at all, but you can’t help but keep watching. He just wanted to create a scene. If he really wanted to talk to people about religion and spirituality, he wouldn’t be so—he just wants a reaction.”

Many students were heavily opposed to the speaker’s extremist Christian views.

“That is not what Christianity is about, you don’t stand around and put people down,” said sophomore Sarah Nagle, a business major. “That’s not what Jesus would do.”

The responsive crowd that fluctuated between 50 to 125 people during the lunch hours held four Mason police on the scene, keeping an eye on the them as they pressed closer around the speaker.

“He’s a blind believer with a closed mind without any intention of listening to anyone’s point of view,” said sophomore Phil Marcella, a philosophy major. “He’s blindly faithful. No religion should pick apart the people standing around them.”

Saint Ross announced to the crowd at one point that he would be back throughout the week.

• If you have any photos or videos from the gathering, or would like to share your opinions, e-mail cmasondirector@gmail.com or visit us in SUB I room 204.

Sophomore Phil Marcella's sign reads, "What religious representative stands around insulting people they try to 'save?' This man is unintelligent and uninformed."