Disappointment in Column
Letter to the Editor of The Bellevue Gazette 12-12-03
As Christians in the Bellevue community, we are writing in response to the article "God's judgment will be against gays" written by Ralph H. Flynn, guest columnists, which appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 25, issue of The Bellevue Gazette.
We are dismayed and disappointed you chose to print this article in our community's newspaper for several reasons:
1. First of all, let us be very clear we disagree with the headline statement which was taken from the text of Mr. Flynn's article. The God we worship and serve is a God of love, not wrathful judgment. Jesus Christ, whom we endeavor to follow, welcomed and accepted all persons. In fact, Jesus cast his lot with those marginalized by society.
We wish to assure all readers there are pastors in Bellevue who value and affirm gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons as individuals created by God. We are mindful of individuals we have known, real people, negatively categorized by their sexuality, and we weep for the pain that attitudes and articles such as Mr. Flynn's have caused them.
2. Rather than go through a process of "dueling scriptures" to rebut Mr. Flynn's Biblical references, which can be done, we prefer to focus on what Jesus says in the Gospels about the subject - absolutely nothing. Jesus' mission was to be a corrective reaction to the rule/law mentality of his day. What he does say is a lot about compassion and welcoming all God's creation.
3. There is a weakness in Mr. Flynn's argument. It is the same which has been since time immemorial. We are led to believe the ills of our society can be laid at the feet of persons whose sexual orientation is different from ours. It is the same false argument which has laid blame on any number of racial minorities or ethnic groups throughout history, resulting in their persecution and even their death. When a group is singled out in such a negative way, hatred, harassment, and violence can be incited and justified.
4. Finally, we must express our disappointment with the editorial decisions of The Bellevue Gazette which gave space to such a lengthy article and chose to label it with a negative and sensational headline. There is power in the printed word which must be carefully and auspiciously exercised. People see it in print and think it must be so. Truth can be best served by presenting balanced views of issues that are so divisive. Mr. Flynn's view is but one of many.
In closing, let us assure all the citizens of the Bellevue area - whatever their sexual orientation - they are welcome to come worship with us in the churches we serve. In this beautiful and holy Advent as we prepare to celebrate once again the coming of our prince of peace, let us love one another, for love is of God.
Rev. Candace Thomas, pastor, Zion United Church of Christ, Fireside, Bellevue
Rev. Robert Bottoms, pastor, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Bellevue
Rev. Henry Seibert, pastor, St. John's Lutheran Church, Bellevue
Rev. Doug Lewis, pastor, First United Methodist Church, Bellevue
Rev. Michael Canning, rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Bellevue
Pastor Flynn's Reply