We, the members of Highland Baptist Church, find statements in the “City of Pride: Large Gay Crowds Call Natchez Home” article recently featured in your newspaper to be offensive.

We would like to respond as a body of Christian believers to these statements.

“Life in Natchez is just so gay they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” This area is where we’ve chosen to raise our children and claim our part of the American dream. The values we hold dear, those of strong families, friendly neighbors and a strong Christian atmosphere are a large part of that decision.

To lead this article with such a statement paints this part of the South in a light we feel is less than positive. We view the gay lifestyle as contrary to the Word of God and find offensive the notion that the lifestyle of our home can be defined as “gay.”

Thom Miller, a gay man interviewed for the article, “believes at least 25 percent of Natchez is openly gay or are in a gay relationship. ‘All the men are gay after midnight in Natchez,’ he said.”

We strongly disagree with this passage. For Mr. Miller to make such a stereotypical statement and for the Democrat to present it without exception is highly irresponsible. Though we do not print T-shirts or make public statements regarding such things, our stand is clear on this subject — the homosexual population of Natchez does not constitute such a high percentage of its citizens. As with the opening claim, this type of statement paints our area in a very unfavorable light. Imagine the outrage if our church publicly proclaimed through your publication that all homosexual men were guilty of child molestation.

For Mr. Miller to make such a statement, while in the same article speaking so highly of the tolerant attitude present in the Miss-Lou seems contradictory and possibly inflammatory.

Many times in this country, persons speaking for ideals with which we disagree describe the so-called Religious Right as intolerant and hate-filled. While we are unable to speak for other organizations, rest assured that Highland Baptist Church hates no one. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, teaches us that His love for mankind is unconditional. The salvation offered by His sacrificial death on Calvary is free to all those seeking repentance. While the Bible speaks often of God’s hatred of sin, there is not a single reference to God’s hatred of the sinner.

Yes, we hold firmly the conviction that homosexuality is a sin, an abomination before God. The Bible is replete with references to that effect. An individual’s choices in life are personal and spiritual decisions, subject to one’s own conscious and relationship with God and should be free from the judgment and prejudices of others.

That does not mean, however, that certain decisions do not have consequence, both temporal and eternal. While we, as a body of Christian believers, intend to shun no one and stand on the conviction that the love of Jesus is given freely to all who will accept it, we also maintain that the spread of the gospel and instruction concerning God’s commandments are our missions. We intend to stand for those convictions, no matter the cost. When statements such as Mr. Miller’s are freely published in the local newspaper, it is our responsibility and duty before God to stand for the truth of His Word.

We would like for your newspaper to print a retraction concerning these statements.

This letter was signed by 78 members of Highland Baptist Church’s congregation.

Ben Wyles, Vidalia resident