Keep trying for common ground

By Pastor Rick Cole - Special to the Bee

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

I am concerned about the growing animosity between those who support Proposition 8 and those who oppose it.

There are always extreme positions on both sides of the issue, and it seems the extreme edges magnify the divide and fuel the anger.

Not everyone who supports Proposition 8 thinks the gay community is trying to advance a cause against our children. And not everyone who opposes Proposition 8 thinks the heterosexual community is filled with hatred and bigotry.

Rick Cole, pastor, Capital Christian Center

Is it possible to have opposing opinions on this issue and still respect one another as fellow citizens trying to find our way in this world?

Recently, I have established relationships with some compassionate people in our community who are gay. We have both been surprised that our relationship has quickly developed into one of respect and appreciation for each another.

We still don't agree on some aspects of this critical debate, but we have found common ground in reaching out to help our neighbors who need someone to walk with them.

We are working together to raise awareness regarding HIV and AIDS with the hope of eliminating infections in our community. Realizing this is no longer a gay disease but is growing at an alarming rate in the heterosexual community has given us common ground to work together.

My hope is that we can find a way to communicate our opinions without demonizing each other.