Episcopal bishop’s belief shows courage
In his criticism of Episcopal Diocese of Albany Bishop Rev. William H. Love’s belief that God does not approve of same-sex marriage, Donald Csaposs accuses the bishop of hatred three times in his short letter (“Bishop shows himself unworthy to lead diocese,” Nov. 27).
On the same day, Margaret Bruce also characterizes the bishop’s principled stance as an expression of hatred (“Pain, prayers and a plea for Love to reconsider,” Nov. 27). And both writers claim in different ways that he is obsessed with “this narrow subject” while ignoring “greater social and spiritual crises.”
Believing that marriage is between a man and a woman is not a “hate-filled conviction. Most people who hold that conviction dearly love the members of the LGBTQ community. In addition, there is no evidence that Bishop Love is not passionate about many important social issues. And he undoubtedly cares deeply about the spiritual well-being of each of the parishioners he loves and serves. It is the prominence of the marriage issue that required his response. To have kept silent would have been cowardly. His full circular on the subject, which was extensively quoted from in this newspaper, documents how much he loves everyone and welcomes all Episcopalians into the faith.
Episcopalians, and all of us, should exercise tolerance toward a Christian leader who courageously stands up for what he believes is God’s truth as revealed in His word. Let’s dial down the rage. Tolerance should work both ways.
Jeff schoonmaker Albany