Pastor misses point on masks

STEVE SMOTHERMON, senior pastor of the Legacy Church, takes the dunce hat for completely missing the point of the protests against his maskless church services.

It is quite clear from (his) letter (that his) services are a protest against the governor and the state, not the helpful healing of a church.

(He) said in (his Jan. 6 oped) “the state, meanwhile, has failed most spectacularly... (with its) ham-handed government.” That’s why “some of us do indeed wear masks,” “Knock yourself out, governor.”

(The) pastor (is) wrong. Those complaints were on behalf of the health care workers. Our hospitals are full of you science-deniers. Go talk to a doctor, nurse or first responder. Their ranks are thin, and in very many hospitals there is no room for illness. They are saving the lives of those (Smothermon) infect(s with) maskless viral hives.

(He should) help out our community. Really help out. Volunteer to load a few bodies in the morgue trailers behind our hospitals . ...

The vast majority of churches in this country in established communities of religious responsibility are not meeting in person. Virtual services with safe practices are followed.

But (Smothermon is) special (and feels it is his) right to use (his) congregation to protest . ...

MARK MONEY Albuquerque