Gay Rights

This is a letter which I wrote to the members of my church in December of 2005. While the real meaning behind the letter is not relevant, I wanted to share my pro-gay rights argument. There was a debate in the church over whether or not Robert Williams should be hired as a new pastor to the church. Some people opposed his hiring because his son was gay, and because he supported equal-rights for gays. There was to be a congregational meeting, but I had to miss it to go to the University of Delaware. The following is my letter in response to those people, and I have not changed anything from the original. For anyone wondering, the congregation ultimately decided to hire him, however during some process which I’ll never understand, he was deemed not worthy of the position and was in fact never hired. The church has since hired another qualified pastor to fill the position and, with the exception of a few members who left after this ordeal, the church is in a peaceful and happy condition.

To Whom It May Concern:

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the church service on December 4^th, however I feel very strongly about the criteria of the congregational meeting following that service. As a confirmed member of the church I am disappointed that I cannot voice my opinion this weekend and vote in favor of the candidacy of Robert Williams. I will instead be visiting the University of Delaware, as I prepare to move forward to the next step in my life, much like this church is currently doing. I understand the importance of such a decision and the longevity of its effects.

I firmly believe that Dr. Robert Williams is a highly qualified candidate for this church. As all of you know, he has a lot of experience behind the pulpit, and has been supported by large congregations. Those who oppose Dr. Williams state that “the Pastor Search Committee and Dr. Williams have persisted in promoting his candidacy despite the fact that they are very aware of the unrest and conflict…” It is evident that there are also several outstanding qualities of Dr. Williams that has caused this search committee to ultimately give him an opportunity at our church. He is an appealing pastor whose sermons are relevant to vast groups of people within this church. Many people were upset when Pastor Rienstra retired and (among other reasons) missed his upbeat, sometimes comical sermons. Those who oppose the candidacy of Dr. Williams claim that the church would suffer because some of the current members would leave. While I have heard such rumors, and realize that many of these families and individuals are very important people in this church, I have to think that many members of the church who stopped coming when Pastor Rienstra left will return to church. With the more entertaining and lively style of Dr. Williams, some of our dormant members should return to the church service, once word spreads.

“Times change, but people stay the same.” This quote has been used time and time again in countless situations in this world, and it applies here. Times in America (and the world) have changed; politically, socially, religiously, and in every other way. While I’m not looking to make any personal attacks, I would claim that many of those who oppose Dr. Williams are quite stubborn. While I realize that a church is a very conservative place, you must also realize that change is inevitable. Personally, I have nothing against homosexual unions, in or outside of the church; I also have other political/social viewpoints that many in this church might not agree with, and that is fine. This is America, where you have the freedom of choice. Within this church, we all have the right to our own opinions. Is it not foolish to disregard this otherwise perfect candidate just because a few members of our congregation have different opinions on certain matters than he does? No one says everyone’s own opinions have to change. Also, at the Marble Collegiate Church, part of Dr. Williams’s job was to run gay and lesbian worship service, he did not start this up on his own; therefore it is foolish to think that with his arrival our church will have many new gay members or that he will start a gay/lesbian focus group. There was once a time when many believed that women should not take an active role in a church, now we see no problem with this. The change is inevitable; the church must change with the world that surrounds it.

Many argue that the Bible is “clearly” against homosexual relationships. This “clear” explanation depends on what translation you use. The Bible was not originally in English, and so there are varying translations when it comes to reading a modern English Bible. Some quick research on the internet will show you some other examples of variances in different versions of the Bible. What a conservative translator may read as the condemnation of homosexuality, a liberal translator may read as the condemnation of homosexual rape or prostitution. Clearly, there is a difference; if the latter translation is taken as being true, you can argue that all rape and prostitution is condemned, regardless. Even if the conservative translation is used, I then suppose that the mere advocating of homosexuality is a sin; and I can then take the liberty of assuming that all of those opposing Dr. Williams have never committed, nor befriended someone who committed a sin. No, that would be just wrong. I really do not believe, however, that homosexual relationships and the church should even be a problem with this hiring, so I do not wish to spend much time covering the insignificant and controversial topic. Dr. Williams should be hired on the simple basis that he will be an excellent minister for our congregation, and that he will serve this church well for years to come.

As I’m sure you all realize, just like deciding where you are going to go to college, this is a very important decision for this church’s future. I ask that at the very least you give some appreciation towards my argument, and give this decision a lot of time and thought. I urge everyone to fully consider the benefits of having Dr. Williams join this church. Do not act stubbornly, but instead realize that perhaps some of his qualities don’t seem so bad in light of the changing world and the progress that this church is trying to make for the future. He has different opinions than some of us, and that is fine, we are a single church, and must stick together even in times of disagreement. Look to the future and make the decision that you know is right, it is for the betterment of this church and congregation.

Thank you for your time, and I hope that you have strongly considered what I had to say.

Sincerely,

Matthew Ritter