Albany Via Media

December 3, 2011

To the Editor:

I'm somewhat equivocal about the point the Rev. Ann Gaillard makes. I do try to be just in my comments and would appreciate having it pointed out to me privately if anyone thinks I am ever being unfair or overly emotional.

However, while I do think it's important to discuss things with calmness and compassion for all, there's also a big difference between being excoriated for a theological position that is held, however strongly, and being condemned outright for who you are and who you believe you were born to be. I don't see the harm or the hurt as anything like equal on both sides in most of this debate, and am therefore not particularly surprised when people who feel attacked at the core of their being hit back with whatever weapon they have available.

Especially because they are our recognized, and therefore theoretically tried, tested, and mature Diocesan Leaders, I would strongly expect the Bishop, the Venerable Dr. Brown, and others to respond to the hurt and emotion behind some of the words that have been posted much more than to the literal meaning. After all, from whom much has been given …

Ann Carlson