I think what HowSoonIsNow pointed out is the primary issue. What other minority/marginalised group other than the LGBT community would warrant the same tolerant response? For example, if a black woman or muslim man were in the place of this lesbian woman, would the chaplain have been as respectful of their religious beliefs/the reason for their resignation? Far more likely that the issue of racism would have been brought up, rather than the claim that he would not ask them to compromise their beliefs. It was not so long ago (and is still this way for some religious people) that working with muslims, jews, blacks, south americans etc, was asking someone to "compromise" their beliefs. Why should the LGBT community be treated differently? Again, I think there is a hierarchy of minorities/marginalised groups going on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DomnNC
I don't see that big of an issue with the statement:
"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs"
Why? Because I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs. Why? Because I will NOT compromise my beliefs for anyone, not one single person, so it would be hypocritical of me to do the same or tell someone to do that very thing. A persons religious beliefs are just that, theirs, just as yours are yours and mine are mine. No one should challenge a persons religious beliefs lest you want to put your own under the microscope. Religion is a personal issue and a personal choice as I see it.
As far as the first part: "He respects their decisions and convictions". Why shouldn't he respect their difference in opinion. After all we are asking people to respect our decisions for ourselves, our own convictions as individuals and as a group.
I don't know, I'm not reading anything inflammatory into that other than what he meant which was in no way derogatory towards anyone. He was just stating his mind and respecting their decision to resign.
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