At several church conferences, 90 percent (I’m guessing) of what was said came from straight presenters. No one can find any equality when there is such a big disparity. Parents with a disabled child would not complain in front of them about how the strain wears on their backs. Why? Because that child would feel as if they were the sole cause. Yet people debate what I am worth, and what I am worthy of, in front of me.

Was the Bible not used to force blacks into slavery, to belittle female pastors, to disenfranchise interracial marriages? Today’s hypocrisy is no different from the past. It wounds. It puts a “better-than/less-than” equation in our congregations. Why do LGBTQ people have to prove our worth beyond what’s a “given” for straight Mennonite couples?

If anyone wants to debate LGBTQ worthiness, they should have done it before recognizing our baptism and breaking bread with us. A Jesus-centered life and communion are the pillars of the church. Issues come and go, but God’s love remains. I’d rather love all people who accept Christ as their Savior than judge them.

Teague L. Chesed
Newton, Kan.