Letters to President Barack Obama - A Retired, Ordained United Methodist Pastor

As readers cannot help but know, I am one of the bloggers participating in the SLDN campaign "Letters from the Frontlines - Letters to President Barack Obama" aimed at pressing Barack Obama and Congress to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell ("DADT") this year. I have received many comments on the series, but one really struck me - a message from a retired United Methodist pastor who said that the series had prompted her to write her own letter to President Obama. I was touched by the letter and with the author's permission I am going to publish it in its entirety. The letter is important in my view because (1) it reminds us that we DO have important straight allies, many of who are Christians, and (2) it reminds others that despite what our enemies contend, there are many gay Christians. I want to thank Reverend Vincent (pictured above in a photo on the Church website at her retirement party) for sharing her letter with me and other bloggers involved in the SLDN campaign and for allowing me to share it with all of you readers. Here is her letter (the emphasis is mine):
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May 21, 2010
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President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington DC 20500
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Re: Urging a speedy repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
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Dear President Obama,
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It is an honor and a privilege to write to you. My husband and I voted for you, and we are very glad you are our president. Thank you for your outstanding service in these very difficult times.
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I write as a mother, wife (46 years) and retired, ordained United Methodist pastor who served churches in California for sixteen years. I’m in touch with many gay and lesbian people and their families, and am aware of their hopes and struggles to gain equality.
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In this context, please allow me to plead with you to immediately do all that you can to end the terrible policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Can you issue a temporary stop-loss order for discharging our gay and lesbian service members, while the Pentagon completes their study and Congress repeals this discriminatory policy? It is my observation that these actions must be done soon, or I know that the LGBT community and their allies will not be supporting Democrats and will sit out the November elections in discouragement.
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Our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters are hurting, as are their families. As a pastor, I have heard many heart-breaking stories. So I’ve had to learn the issues and develop a response. It became most important to me to understand how one interprets the biblical passages that seem to condemn homosexuality. After years of study, I have come to the conclusion that homosexuality is not a sin, nor does the Bible speak to our understanding of LGBT issues today. The lesbians and gay men in our congregation at Almaden Hills United Methodist Church in San Jose, CA and in other congregations I have served, love and serve God with all their hearts. They didn’t want to be gay and fought for years against their gay orientation. Being gay wasn’t a choice; it’s a fact of their being. Given my experience, I would debate my brothers and sisters who see it differently.
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Gays have been done great harm by unjust social policies, the church and even their families. It’s past time to stop the hurt and make matters right. With hope that you can aggressively lead the Pentagon and Congress to “do the right thing” and do it now, I send you my prayers and support. God bless you, Mr. President!
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Grace and peace,
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Reverend Carole L. Vincent
M.Div. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA