There are times when a lay person must speak out publically when an individual who carries the title “Pastor” makes hurtful and totally unfair pronouncements. I’m of course referring to Pastor Tony Pierce’s letter in last week’s paper.

In defending the anti-gay comments made by a member of the television show Duck Dynasty, Pastor Pierce talks about loving the sinner with the sinner being those gay friends and neighbors who must be saved because they are living in “what the Bible calls an abomination.”

He then goes on to condemn a majority of citizens in this country who love and respect gay members of their community by saying all of us have “become enablers of lifestyles that will destroy these precious souls for eternity.”

I have gone to church all my life, served on committees and in leadership positions while attending many Bible study classes. Over the years I have formed my own personal image of Jesus, what He stands for and what He expects of me. If the Jesus I know were to return, Ann and I would gladly and proudly introduce him to our gay friends who are kind, caring and compassionate people. And, of this I am sure, Jesus would greet them with open arms and we’d have a wonderfully exciting discussion.

Next I would drive Him over to Pastor Pierce’s church and show Him the letter which would be nailed to the front door. After reading the Pastor’s declaration I can visualize Jesus getting tears in His eyes and sadly saying, “Oh, my!”

I have often thought if I were stopped on the street and asked “Are you a Christian?,” I would respond by saying “Yes I am, but I’m not one of them!” Pastor Pierce and those who think as he does represent the “them.”