Dear Editor:

I find Dr. Tilford's latest letter interesting. In fact I expect he and I could personally spend a good many hours in discussion about the Civil War since I find that most fascinating.

But I believe Dr. Tilford errs in comparing the current conflict in the PCUSA to the Civil War and thinking all it takes is the final resolution at Appomatox to bring this to an end. For the reality is that the end of the Civil War did not resolve the question of the role of African-Americans in our society. Rather it was 100 years later in the Civil Rights movement that we as Americans began to deal with this honestly. Technically the African-Americans were considered free by U. S. law, but what was in reality was a different story.

To some degree this is not that different in the PCUSA today. We like to say that gays and lesbians are entitiled to full membership and respect as any other person who follows Christ. But the reality is we have those exceptions as with Amendment B.

Is this really any different than what happened to African-Americans? And yes we can say that race is not the same as sexual orientation. No problem there. Actually it boils down to treating brothers and sisters in Christ with the same respect no matter what their background or other attributes may be. For it is the faith in Jesus Christ that defines us as Christians and sets us apart from the world. If we cannot accept each other's faith in Christ, how can we claim to accept Christ?

In the final analysis, contrary to popular belief, there is not going to be any war or battle fought in the PCUSA that resembles those horrible conflicts of human history where blood is shed and human life is devalued by both sides. Rather it comes down to peaceful, civil disobedience in the manner of the Civil Rights movement. Like those brothers and sisters in that struggle we aren't going away or fleeing from the conflict, but rather will take our place at those lunch counters and other places forbidden by the ruling institutions with dignity and grace. This of course does not mean we expect those in opposition to not respond. Hopefully it will not be in the violent manner as happened in those days, but this cannot be ruled out and we are prepared to make that sacrifice just as Jesus did. The actions by others will speak for themselves.

No, I'm sorry to say this is not going to end simply by some battle or in our case legislative action. For Christ calls us to take up our crosses and follow Him, so in that there is no debate nor alternative. I'm ready to do so as is many others.

Yours In Christ,