Editor, The Beacon:

I have to rebut the opinion entry “Remembering those suffering for faith” by Al Everson in the Nov. 2-8, 2023, edition. He seeks pity for Christians, disregards others, and overlooks much.

Mr. Everson writes that Christians are suffering for their faith in many countries of the world. He does not write that many people, of other faiths, or none, are suffering the harshness of governments in undemocratic countries.

Mr. Everson does not mention that everyone, not just Christian worshippers, was restricted during the pandemic from gathering in large numbers in enclosed spaces. The restriction affected all of us and came from the governments that he and every American voter elected; the governments that he disparagingly called “the powers that be.”

Mr. Everson did not mention that the Christian faith, as well as other faiths, or none, in this country are possible because of this country’s democratic Constitution.

He felt that Christians are suffering when they feel obligated, by their profession, to provide service to people whose lifestyle they detest. In his example, it is the Christian baker who denies his service to homosexuals. Incredibly, the Supreme Court has permitted Christian discrimination against homosexuals. This discrimination is no different than the discrimination that Black Americans endured in public establishments decades ago.

The Christian baker is not suffering. He is causing the suffering when he discriminates and does not believe in equal rights and treatment for all.

Mr. Everson writes that Christians bear messages of love for one’s enemies. The Christian baker and, I suppose, Mr. Everson, have no love for homosexuals. Nor should they perceive them as enemies. Ironically, the homosexuals could be Christians.

No, Mr. Everson, Christians are suffering as everyone else. Much of our current problems come from religious intolerance. Laws must confront intolerance, not support it.

Marvin Lindroth

DeLand