More letters.

Let's start with the negative:

*****

Dear Mr. ____,

After more than a week of thought and prayer, I have decided to reply to your verbose letter of October 30, 2006. Let me assure you that I don't need you or anyone else to suggest how I should vote on any issue or any candidate. While you may think it appropriate to use a list of names and addresses from your employer to contact members of the congregation for political reasons, I find it unconscionable.

Furthermore, I consider your disregard for your employer, supervisor, administrative board members and the entire congregation of [The Church] a sever breech of trust. The issue of your gay orientation is none of my business and quite frankly, I had no interest in such a disclosure. Unfortunately, you elected to force this divisive issue on the church and the congregation against the advice of church leaders. I cannot and will not sit idly by as you or anyone else seeks to use the church for personal reasons. This response is not intended to be anymore of an attack against you than your letter was against [The Church] and me. i was offended by the arrogance and contempt shown by the distribution of your letter.

Sincerely,

*****

I'll refrain from commenting, but please feel free to do so! Just click where it says, "leave a comment," and throw on your two cents' worth.

And now for a positive one (albeit with a somewhat negative beginning):

*****

Dear Brett,

I find that your letter of October 23 may have been both ill-advised and too personal but as a citizen and a man of conviction one could not take away your right to express your opinion.

For many years I was engaged in the business of higher education. In the 1960's youth across this country were being advised to "feel free" to express their opinion resulting in changes to many aspects of our culture. Working with young adults enhanced my insights to the openness of young men and women to live their lives, both in their careers and their personal lives, often in opposition to the conventional culture. Today's young men and women are reluctant to remain silent. Obviously, ,you are a product of the late twentieth century and current twenty-first century.

[The Church] hired you for your remarkable talents in both music and other aspects of the Christian faith. I can not see that your strengths have been weakened due to your admission of your sexual orientation. I will continue to support your employment at [The Church] and pray that our Christian compassion will dominate the day. Remember the United Methodist slogan---"Open hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors".

You will be in my prayers.

Sincerely,

*****

Dear [head of Staff Parish Committee],

We would like to tell you how much Brett has meant to us as Music Director of [The Church] over the past year. He has brought a vibrancy and joy into the music that is evident when listening to and watching him play the organ or piano. That joy spills over into the hymns we sing, making them more meaningful. His talent and love of music is inspiring. We appreciate, too, the information he share son the music he plays during the Sunday services.

We are among the recipients of Brett's letter and are also among those who look forward to enjoying Brett's music and talent at [The Church] for many years to come.

Sincerely,

*****

So, the letters continue to come in. So far, I've received three negative and eight positive letters.

The staff parish committee will meet next Tuesday (two days before Thanksgiving). The idea is that they will meet and discuss, then invite me to join them and talk with me. If they end up sticking to that format, it's going to be an uncomfortable hour (or more... or less, I suppose) when they meet. Here's hoping the people on my side speak up and are as vocal as the angry opposition! Here's hoping, also, that they will be considerate and allow me to speak.

Thanks for reading, and please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Love,
Brett