I am concerned that an individual who feels a connection with God appears void of key values such as compassion, humanity and acceptance.
How insensitive given the previous Friday's (12th June) lead story about the gay couple who are being subjected to terrible abuse even when in their own home. Your comments are unappreciated but alas not unsurprising. Each year the Pride festival is launched another pariah attacks gay people and their life choices. However I was astounded that a Pastor would find it wholly appropriate to make any reference to Hitler (when did that ever seem like it was going to be a winner to you?) in an attempt to validate a weak, repetitive, archaic argument (argument in the loosest sense of the word).
It was Jesus who said 'suffer little children to come onto me'. (Luke 18:17) Like everything in this diverse world, it is open to interpretation. 'Suffer little children to come unto me, but not you, sorry, you're one of the gays, nor you - no blacks' (Bigot 20:09)
Such comments as those in the letter only serve to reinforce the negative stereotype that religion has within our communities. It is merely a vehicle for social control.
We are all individuals, each a reflection of our own journey in life. It's a real shame people like you are missing the true diversity and complexities of life in the modern world.
Yours,
Denise Mac Dermott