He’s at it again!

One more time, Randy Leskovar has used the West Seattle Herald to publish a hateful screed against homosexuals and those who believe in constitutionally protected rights for all individuals in a secular democracy. By using the title Pastor and claiming to speak for god, Leskovar believes he is right and anyone who has a different opinion or belief is wrong.

Never mind that his opinions on the institution of marriage and the nature of homosexuality are historically and scientifically, respectively, inaccurate. Leskovar’s letter is little more than a sermon more appropriate for the pulpit or the church newsletter. He likes to quote scripture to substantiate his beliefs but where are the Christian values of love, compassion, acceptance and tolerance?

Where is the teaching of Jesus as reported by his disciples in the gospels? What has happened to “love thy neighbor as thyself," “turn the other cheek when offended” “do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" Let’s not forget Christ’s admonition to the mob “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” or most importantly for believers, “as you do unto the least of these, so do you unto me."

Religion as created by man has the power to do good or evil in this world. It is unfortunate that some wrap themselves in the cloak of religion to further their agenda of discrimination and bigotry in our society. Those who believe this is wrong must step forward and challenge the premise that if God is on your side you can promote intolerance and hatred against any individual or group that you disagree with.

I believe in the thoughtful dialogue that can be shared through letters to the editor. I do not think religious sermons posing as letters have a place in a subscription publication that serves a large and diverse community.

Peggy Cummings
Fauntleroy