(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

This letter is written in anger in response to the brutal mass murder and senseless violence at Club Q in Colorado Springs. In writing this letter, I am acutely aware of my privilege as a straight, white, American male of European descent attempting to follow the Way of Jesus. I condemn this and all acts of violence. Although many of the facts of this outrageous incident have not been reported, it is certainly probable that the shooting was a hateful act against the LGBTQ community. I want to unequivocally state my opposition to homophobia and transphobia. I abhor these toxic behaviors NOT in spite of my faith but rather as an expression OF my faith. I find it particularly shameful that some people use their faith to justify the marginalization, exclusion and abuse of people in the LGBTQ communities.

The New Testament teaches that God is love and commands us to a life of love: of God, neighbor, self — even our enemies. St. Paul wrote that love fulfills the (Jewish) Law. Preaching a theology of homophobia is inconsistent with love of neighbor; it is toxic, unnecessary, and often leads to acts of violence.

Loving one another is not always easy. Sometimes it requires unlearning old prejudices and misconceptions. Instead of trying to legislate, preach, or scream LGBTQ+ people out of existence, consider familiarizing yourself with Biblical scholarship that looks beyond the misinterpretation of a half-dozen verses stripped from cultural and historical context. (For example: the work of conservative Christian ethicist David Gushee).

In order to promote the good news of the Gospel, each of us should examine our conscience through a lens of love. Then we can understand that supporting, condoning, or even ignoring violence against LGBTQ+ people is not only wrong, it is contrary to the Way of Jesus.

Stephen Peck

Washington, W.Va.