To the Editor:

A letter to the editor in The Smoky Mountain News (Let’s All Embrace God’s Healing, March 27, 2019) indicated that members of the LGBTQ+ community are “broken” and in need of “healing and reconciliation.” This editorial essentially attempted to shame a high school student in our community for speaking her mind and having the courage to express her opinion (My Church Embraces LGBTQ Members, March 6, 2019). 

I don’t have a problem with freedom of the press or for anyone speaking their mind, regardless of their faith or orientation. However, when a person of faith believes they can determine who is broken and separate from the Divine, simply based on their interpretation of the Bible, well that is a different story. 

It is not those who Mr. Onder deemed broken that create the divisions in our communities and culture. The separation in our communities is caused by divisive, hateful rhetoric which attempts to shame and silence those who believe differently. It is the rhetoric that creates potentially threatening learning environments for students, and hostile work environments for employees. 

It is the rhetoric that creates tension between community members. It is the rhetoric of hate speech which minimizes the voice of a loving, articulate high school student whose article indicated simply that she believed in her community and that she has hope for the future. On this note, Ms. Dove provided us all with a true example of faith.

I would like to believe Mr. Onder’s intent was not to threaten or harm anyone. However, in a world where language can unite or divide a community, I hope we would choose to honor all members of our community, regardless of faith or lifestyle. It is often stated, “unity does not imply uniformity.” As Joel Goldsmith (1998) states, “you are no more outside of God’s government than the stars, than sun, the moon, the tides, the fish swimming in the sea or the birds flying in the air.” 

If we are all children of God, then the diversity surrounding us is a gift to be appreciated, not feared. 

Rev. Dr. Katherine R.B. Greysen

Canton