Dear Editor,

It is hard to find anything positive in the controversy that has erupted over Rev. Barbara Hager's astonishing outburst that Presbyweb published on Saturday. It is disheartening to observe that some people in authority abuse their positions to attack others, whether in Central Florida or Southern New England or wherever. However, I want to lift up Edward Koster's letter as something positive. Ed has been a friend and colleague of mine for several years. Although we disagree on some issues, including the ordination issue, I know him to be an honorable man, and he has confirmed that for me in his letter. If this church is to avoid falling apart, it will require more people in positions of authority like Ed Koster. I hope all of us, whatever our perspectives, will learn something from Ed's letter. Then perhaps something positive can come out of this latest disaster.

In Christ,