To the editor:

The killing of several Christians in a Tennessee school is troubling for all of us. According to NBC News, the police chief told NBC News anchor Lester Holt that “a sense of ‘resentment’ may have fueled Nashville shooter’s attack at a former school.” https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nashville-christian-school-shooter-appears-former-student-police-chief-rcna76876 (accessed April 14, 2023)

This is significant to me because I have been the target of several acts of harassment since running for the school board. Had the “All Are Welcome” sign been in black letters rather than in rainbow colors, I would have felt included in the welcome and would not have been urged to run.

It is not erroneous to believe something is wrong that someone else thinks is OK. Some people think it is perfectly acceptable to get drunk; others follow the guidelines in the Bible and consider getting drunk sinful. No one should be bullied for their beliefs. The person who is bullying me believes my opinions are wrong, but I am not gesturing him the “finger” or taunting him, even though I think his opinion is wrong.

Our country is divided about the direction it is going. No matter. We must settle these differences in morally acceptable ways, and then live kindly with each other if we cannot come to an agreement. Ephesians 4:29 and 32 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Each of us has the right to our opinions, and harming anyone else because of disagreement is fully unacceptable. No one who accepts the LGBTQ+ lifestyle should be bullied! Bullying is wrong always. And no one who places their beliefs on the Bible should be bullied either. We can have opposing opinions and still live with each other in kindness and acceptance. We must work out resentments with words, not actions – because actions can lead to serious outcomes to people on both sides.

Gigi Rysdahl

New Ulm