By RHIANNON WEBER

News Editor

Centennial Plaza, a designated free speech area, was put to the test last week when traveling evangelist Jim Gilles of Evansville, Ind., came to spread his religious message to students.

Gilles, the leader of an organization called "The Campus Ministry," verbally sparred with students while claiming that college campuses are "wicked," women who wear pants are "whores" and fraternities are filled with "drunken masturbators."

Gary Bowman, a Pentecostal preacher who has been traveling with Gilles since 1997 and videotapes the sessions, said they travel around the country to universities preaching a non-denominational message about Christ.

"Our core message is that Jesus is God," Bowman said. "We study methods on the best way to get a college crowd's attention with religion.

"We've found that making crazy claims always works. Kids don't listen to boring stuff."

Bowman said Gilles has been arrested more than 40 times in the last 17 years for trespassing and inciting riots on university campuses.

Although he was escorted off campus Dec. 3 for not having a permit, Gilles returned to the Plaza the next day after clearing his intent with school authorities.

While yielding a Bible and shouting to the crowd of nearly 100 students, Gilles claimed he used to be a sinner but had been saved and was sent to pass judgment on others.

His "judgment" included condemning Jews, Catholics, Muslims and rock 'n' roll fans as well as others.

Some students shook their heads and quietly walked off.

Others prayed, while many stared in disbelief, pointed, yelled or cried.