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Published Sun, Feb 05, 2012 02:00 AM
Modified Fri, Feb 03, 2012 06:50 PM

Respect, not fear

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Tags: news | opinion - mailbag

Isn't it interesting? Some citizens select portions of the Bible's Old Testament to deny other citizens certain fundamental rights and still call themselves Christians.

This isn't a recent phenomenon; it's been used before. Some clever individuals have used the Bible to justify the institution of slavery, the KKK's abhorrent abuses and the subjugation of women. And now others calling themselves Christians seek to deny gay and lesbian citizens the right to marry the adult person of their choice. This in the name of God? Of Jesus Christ? I think not!

Nowhere in the Bible is this union prohibited - neither the Old nor New Testament! Yet the writer of the Jan. 22 letter "How He really feels" believes otherwise. He states that "homosexual marriage" is in "direct contradiction of God's written word." Really? Where?

And what of those 20 Sunday school members who wrote in support of same-sex marriage (whom he called "misguided")? Their action follows Christ's teachings: love, respect, enfranchisement and inclusion. It's not the politics of bigotry, division, discrimination and fear as was the case in the past!

Christ's love, and the U.S. Constitution, apply to gays and lesbians, too!

Phil Seymour

New Bern

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