It was puzzling and bewildering to read about the celebration of practices that I understand from our Word from God to be sin (“A Movement Rooted in Dignity,” July). While the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests rejoices in “how far we’ve come,” others are grieving ‘’how far they’ve gone.’’ It left me with an air of disgust and discouragement. Reading
2 Timothy 4:1-5 cleared the air for me. 

Simon Schrock, Catlett, Va.

I write to express appreciation for “A Movement Rooted in Dignity.” As a young pastor in the mid-1960s, I was able to walk with a young person in my congregation struggling with sexual identity. I provided support in coming out to parents and family, who were understanding and supportive. I learned a lot from this person about such a struggle for identity. Throughout my 50-plus years of ministry, I valued this relationship. It enabled me to refrain from being judgmental in the midst of difficult discussions and decisions. I encourage others to withhold judgment until they are able to relate to persons struggling with sexual identity.

Marvin Zehr, North Newton, Kan.

“A Movement Rooted in Dignity” sees the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests in a favorable light. However, BMC has not recognized the physical complementarity of men and women. For example, men have greater hand strength, women greater hand dexterity. Strength and dexterity are good teammates. Men and women have many other types of physical complementarity, which lesbian/gay relationships lack. This is a piece of the picture.

Brent A. Koehn, Elkhart, Ind.

I appreciated Brie Yoder’s article, “My Identity Is Not an Oxymoron,” affirming the life and teachings of Jesus as the first principle of biblical interpretation. She notes that treating others as we want to be treated sums up the law and the prophets. It’s the basis for interpreting the rest of the Bible, especially the writings of Paul, which, without this foundation of Matthew 7:12, can lead us to conclusions that are unwelcoming, oppressive and discriminating.

Leonard Nolt, Boise, Idaho

I am deeply grateful for the July issue because it affirms that I am loved by God and am a welcomed member of the Mennonite church. I am one of those gay men who came out in the early 1980s for whom BMC and a few supportive families and congregations were a lifeline. I had prayed and fasted for years, begging God to change my sexual orientation. I had contemplated suicide, thinking God could still accept me into heaven if I were dead and had never acted on my homosexual desires. But when I realized I am created just as God meant me to be, I was finally able to accept myself. When I first came out to others, I was sure I would never be accepted in the Mennonite church. I knew my dream of being a Mennonite pastor would never happen. When I was exploring going to seminary in 1982, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary politely told me I would probably be happier elsewhere. I moved to California to study at the Pacific School of Religion and discovered First Mennonite Church of San Francisco, where I have served on almost every committee, preached many sermons and am currently chair of our elders’ committee. Eighteen years ago, this congregation witnessed my marriage to the love of my life and continues to support us. I am in the church today because of my congregation’s acceptance. And, finally, I am finding acceptance in the denomination. LGBTQ+ people are everywhere, part of our families and communities, wanting to share our spiritual gifts. My prayer is that we may stay together as a church family, listen to each other’s experiences and accept the gifts bestowed by God on each of us.

Russ Schmidt, San Francisco