Tell Me Pastor

'Pastor, change your stance against gays'

Dear Pastor,

I am a Jamaican currently living in Asia. I am 36 years old and attended a very prestigious high school in Jamaica. I have read your column as a boy and still occasionally do so whenever I am in Jamaica or roaming the web.

What infuriates me about you, pastor, is your stance on the subject of homosexuality. I have read you over the years curse and vilify young gays as they seek you as the last resort for advice and comfort.

Pastor, we can both agree that your stance on homosexuality is that it is wrong. I am not trying to change your opinion, as it is one that was formed a long time ago and will remain the same. What I would like from you, pastor, is to show some tolerance and sympathy for people who have or believe they have gay tendencies.

I remember having tendencies myself as a young naïve teenager. After reading your advice to others, I have been driven to near tears or thought of suicide because of the likes of you. I don't think you realise; actually, I do think you realise the influence you wield.

If you would only soften this stance on homosexuality, you would not only help the advice seeker but would somehow calm the anti-gay atmosphere in Jamaica which is fuelled by influential people like you and your misguided thoughts.

C.M., Hong Kong, Japan

Dear C.M,

I expect you to be truthful in your criticism of me. I have never been afraid of criticism because I do not expect everybody to accept what I say. I am a professional. I don't curse people.

I have never cursed any homosexual who has written to me. I repeat, I have never done so. And I would challenge you to prove to me on what occasion I have done so. I have said that homosexuality is wrong and that it is abnormal behaviour but I have never condemned the homosexual.

If you are looking for someone to agree with you that it is correct for you to practise homosexuality as a lifestyle, you have written to the wrong person. I cannot encourage anyone to practise homosexuality.

And, it is wrong for you to give the impression that I have not tried to help homosexuals who have written to me. I have referred them to psychiatrists and other professionals. In fact, one psychiatrist told me that one of the men I referred to him now claims that he has ceased the practice. I could also tell you that one young lady I have helped has assured me that she has abandoned her lesbian lover and that she is now actively serving the Lord. These persons never felt comfortable engaging in homosexual activities, so they sought help.

If you want to practise the lifestyle of a homosexual, it is up to you. Nevertheless, I would continue to say that I cannot sanction such lifestyle.

You are looking for an excuse to be gay. Instead of dealing with yourself, you would prefer that I do not say anything against your lifestyle. I have a right to state my position without fear and you have a right to state yours. I do believe that it is possible for a homosexual to change if he/she wants to.

I believe in the transforming power of God. There are those who do not want to change. Perhaps, you fall in that number. Don't attack me because of the stance I have taken on homosexuality.

Pastor