Police Chaplains Resign Over Lesbian Appointment

[Kobi]

Originally Posted by Nat

It's really frustrating to me that people think gay-hating is a "belief" which should be "respected."

Seems to me, this situation and the words used might be a matter of perspective.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs."

One the one hand, one could see this as a gay hating response.

One the other hand, one could see it as a respectful way of acknowledging people have different beliefs and there is respect for all beliefs whether one agrees with them or not. And there is also respect for making decisions which makes one true to oneself without disrupting the progress of inclusion.

Actions always speak louder than words to me. Clergy resigning due to their beliefs tells me they are not only being true to themselves but are also choosing to remove themselves from the situation rather than fight.

Not fighting tells me there is a fundamental acceptance for differences within the chaplaincy program which could not be overcome.

This, in turn, tells me there is, within the police department and the chaplaincy program, an understanding, tolenarce, acceptance, respect and willingness towards inclusion.

Overall, I see it as a wise and diplomatic choice of words to indicate beliefs are respected but will not stop tolerance from being part of this institution.