6/12 letters: NC Pastors’ Network’s pro-travel ban billboard ‘not the way of Christ’

Regarding While driving on I-40, I was dismayed to see the billboard suggesting support for the president’s travel ban because the 9/11 terrorists were Muslims. As a practicing Christian who attends church regularly, I was especially upset that the billboard was sponsored by a group called the North Carolina Pastors’ Network. There are plenty of reasons to oppose the travel ban, but this message is a particular problem coming from people who claim to be Christian leaders.

Jesus in the Gospels cares for everyone, even those who do not share his religion. Examples include the Samaritan woman at the well and the Roman centurion. When the centurion asks Jesus for healing, Jesus doesn’t insist on a religious conversion; he responds to the immediate need with compassion. Most importantly, in the Gospels Jesus commands his followers to love their neighbors and to care for those in need, explicitly including strangers. Most of the people coming to the United States from predominantly Muslim countries, and especially those who are refugees, simply seek a new home and a better life. Allowing fear to get in the way of love is not the way of Christ.

‘Demand action’ on climate

The editorial “Trump quits climate accord to bash Obama, but he hurts the US” (June 2) hit the nail on the head with the conclusion that “Trump really needs to put away the club he uses to bash all things associated with President Obama, and proceed with positive initiatives of his own, if he has any.”

But as much as Trump tries to tear down others’ achievements, he does more damage to his own power on the global stage than he does to growing momentum for climate action. While bipartisan support for action on climate change may surprise some, a growing number of bipartisan alliances at the local, state, and federal levels underscore its reality. Placing a price on carbon and returning the dividends to all American households is a solution both liberals and conservatives agree on, and models show it can meet Paris targets while growing the US economy. Bipartisan momentum for action on climate change is growing, but not inevitable. Citizens must continue to demand action.

McCrory ‘not bitter’

“McCrory goes out bitter to the end, and beyond” (June 6) claims McCrory is the early winner of “Sore Loser of the Century.” The reason for this was McCrory’s speech at the NC GOP state convention where he apparently blamed his defeat on illegal voters.

I was in attendance at the convention and heard McCrory give that speech. The former governor was not bitter. I found him to be well-tanned and his usual cheery self. Yes he spoke about the illegal voters. It was referencing the need for the NC General Assembly to pass a clean voter ID bill that will pass federal court scrutiny.

This story was originally published June 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "6/12 letters: NC Pastors’ Network’s pro-travel ban billboard ‘not the way of Christ’."