"Being tolerant is not enough; the gospel calls us not simply to put up with each other, but to know each other, find joy in each other, and care for each other's needs. As Christians, we must not be blind to the differences of, for example, race, gender, class, or sexual preference; rather we are instructed to learn more about what makes our brothers and sisters different and to build a stronger Christian community based on those differences."

Kathy Rudy, Sex and The Church

I got a packet of stickers in the mail the other day that were emblazoned with the words "Teach Tolerance." The stickers featured hands of many colors joined together in solidarity. It's a nice message, but I agree with Rudy, I'm not sure tolerance is enough.

Often when we speak up about the practices of the religious right, especially their recent foisting of the ex-gay ad campaign upon us and the nation, we get called "intolerant." It's an unfair label, I believe. We have tolerated being second class citizens in society, and non-persons within the church. It's not intolerant to finally put one's foot down when others show intolerance for your mere existence.

The ads, if anything, show the utter intolerance of the religious right. They don't have the drive as Christians to build a community with us. They have no interest in getting to know us, not without trying to change us, anyway. They are not truly interested in our needs as gays and lesbians. They are not interested in learning about our differencs and how a community based on these differences might bring glory and honor to God.

Instead, they seek our annihilation by making us "ex-gay."

We're not much better. Instead of trying to understand those who are on the religious right, we act intolerantly toward them. Just like them we want to annihilate the differences between us, instead of recognizing those differences and trying to build a community using our differences as a foundation.

We should be trying to build a truly Christian community, not despite our differences, but because of them. Our differences make us stronger and unique, and our community will benefit from that and itself become strong and unique.

We need to put aside our talk of tolerance, sin and salvation, and instead talk about the loving power of Christ to reconcile everyone despite any difference. Tolerance is not enough, genuine Christian caring, hope and love are what is needed to bring together the community that humanity has torn asunder.

Blessings,
Candace