United Methodist pastor writes Obama on DADT, pleading for stop-loss order (good luck)

[Bluebear]

May 21, 2010

President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington DC 20500

Re: Urging a speedy repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Dear President Obama,

It is an honor and a privilege to write to you. My husband and I voted for you, and we are very glad you are our president. Thank you for your outstanding service in these very difficult times.

I write as a mother, wife (46 years) and retired, ordained United Methodist pastor who served churches in California for sixteen years. I'm in touch with many gay and lesbian people and their families, and am aware of their hopes and struggles to gain equality.

In this context, please allow me to plead with you to immediately do all that you can to end the terrible policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Can you issue a temporary stop-loss order for discharging our gay and lesbian service members, while the Pentagon completes their study and Congress repeals this discriminatory policy? It is my observation that these actions must be done soon, or I know that the LGBT community and their allies will not be supporting Democrats and will sit out the November elections in discouragement.

Our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters are hurting, as are their families. As a pastor, I have heard many heart-breaking stories. So I've had to learn the issues and develop a response. It became most important to me to understand how one interprets the biblical passages that seem to condemn homosexuality. After years of study, I have come to the conclusion that homosexuality is not a sin, nor does the Bible speak to our understanding of LGBT issues today. The lesbians and gay men in our congregation at Almaden Hills United Methodist Church in San Jose, CA and in other congregations I have served, love and serve God with all their hearts. They didn't want to be gay and fought for years against their gay orientation. Being gay wasn't a choice; it's a fact of their being. Given my experience, I would debate my brothers and sisters who see it differently.

Gays have been done great harm by unjust social policies, the church and even their families. It's past time to stop the hurt and make matters right. With hope that you can aggressively lead the Pentagon and Congress to "do the right thing" and do it now, I send you my prayers and support. God bless you, Mr. President!

Grace and peace,

Reverend Carole L. Vincent
M.Div. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA

http://www.bilerico.com/2010/05/letters_to_president_barack_obama_-_a_retired_orda.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29

[msongs]

1. he will never do it because of his conscience, only if he is forced into some other way nt

[Bluebear]

2. Your rec was cancelled.

So much interest for the subject lol.