A commentary in the News Tribune took the position that the transformative power of Jesus and the gospel can change someone's sexual orientation ("Gospel can bring change into homosexuals' lives," Feb. 3).
The commentary made arguments used for centuries to deny the basic humanity of a large segment of the world's population. These arguments historically have been used by people who don't want to create cultures or live in societies that respect and celebrate human diversity.
The fact these arguments were made by a Lutheran pastor and physician was an example of the institutional pressures experienced by gay people on a daily basis.
When such arguments are made by a pastor, gay members of the congregation can choose to leave the church if they feel oppressed by the pastor or if they are being treated in a disrespectful manner by the congregation.
When such arguments are made by a doctor, the decisions made by gay patients are more complicated. They can choose to leave the doctor, fearing their care may be compromised due to the doctor's beliefs. They can choose another clinic or hospital because they fear by knowing about and not speaking out against the doctor's discriminatory beliefs, the institution itself may be complicit in the beliefs. These are difficult decisions for gay patients. In many rural areas, a doctor and his or her clinic or hospital represent the only care available.
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A sexual orientation litmus test isn't part of the Hippocratic Oath, and pastors shouldn't impose such tests on their congregations.
When the very institutions in place to love us, accept us, and care for us are tainted by discriminatory beliefs, people suffer, and the integrity of our society is damaged.
We deserve better from our pastors and our doctors.
Fletcher and Joan Hinds
Duluth
The writers are members of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Duluth-Superior. This letter also was signed by PFLAG Duluth-Superior members Bonnie Keeling, Cherie and Michael Sawinski and Bev Pehkonen
