Dear friends,
This morning a friend of mine overheard a bunch of teenagers talking about masquerading as pink dot supporters and acting rowdy.
They mentioned that "It is getting out of hand, this gay thing.“ One of them added that his pastor also said the same thing.
While I believe that everyone should agree to disagree, I think we all have to recognise our role as leaders and adults that while we may be matured and able to discern and act as adults, young teenagers may not have the wisdom to act with restraint.
When I get worked up about what the dangerous rhetoric religious leaders say, I am concerned about consequences like this - that speech becomes translated into action. I urge all leaders - religious or otherwise - to teach their folks restraint and the common value all religions (and even those with no religion) share —the golden rule.
The golden rule exists in different forms in different religions and Karen Armstrong set up the Charter for Compassion www.charterforcompassion.org so that we learn to coexist in harmony.
The golden rule is this — do not do unto others what you do not want done unto you.
I am sad that there are even some who would use fake Facebook accounts to post incendiary comments to rile up negative feelings on both sides.
I pray that there are more voices who will call out bad behaviour not just of the opposing side, but call out bad behaviour in our own midst.
I pray that we do not respond hate with hate but with love. After all, isn't that what Pink Dot is about? Love?
I will be posting again with some recommendations how we can deal with situations that may arise - how to de-escalate situations, how not to be provoked into reacting.
Miak Siew
Pastor at Free Community Church
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/notes/miak-siew/i-say-this-with-a-heavy-heart/1...