Letter: Pastors comments on gays appalling

Regarding the Sept. 8 Message of the Week in Faith and Family by Pastor Michael A. Carling of Free Grace Baptist Church: I am thankful to have the freedom to not be arrested or murdered for rejecting this type of religious condemnation of gays.

Today, my lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters in places like Uganda and Iran are not so lucky.

Today, many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, our allies, and our welcoming faith communities around the world are defending ourselves from those who seek to force us into submission of their religious views — such as fighting Proposition 8, for example.

I can empathize with a person who chooses a religious lifestyle that commands them to spend their lives preaching how everyone should obey their religion. More so, I empathize with any lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who might be in his church.

I listened to Carling's podcasts and I am appalled at how hostile his words are to free thought, open discussion and dissenting views.

When I was in the closet, I was a part of a similarly hostile church. It's very unlikely an LGBT person (especially a teen) would ever feel safe addressing homosexuality in that environment.

At www.gotblissyubasutter.org, if you're an LGBT person or supporter you can connect with folks welcoming of all regardless of religion or nonreligion at local group GOTBLISS.

Regarding any faith communities who believe homosexuality to be a blessing and not a sin, I hope your leaders will work harder to make your presence known so that LGBT people of faith know there is some acceptance in Yuba-Sutter.

Jeff Girard

Olivehurst