From: carlson@infi.net (Ann Carlson) Subject: letters between White and Robertson Date: Fri, 10 Feb 1995 08:37:35 -0500 (EST) Mel White's letter to Pat Robertson ==================================== Pat Robertson, the Chancellery, CBN Center Virginia Beach, Va. 23463 Dear Pat, For the past six months I've been reading Gandhi, Mandela, Romero, Aquino, King, and especially Jesus. They all insist that we must never stop trying to negotiate with the people with whom we disagree. You know how strongly I disagree with you about your public stand on gay and lesbian people. But I was wrong to give up on the possibility that you would ever meet with me to talk about this important issue. Forgive me. When I was writing your America's Dates With Destiny, we had several conversations that proved to me that you are open to contrary views and willing to change your position when the evidence is solid. For the past three years, we have monitored your broadcast and print comments about gay and lesbian Americans. We have collected hours of video samples of your direct accusations and casual asides about us on the 700 Club. You have every right to say what you believe; but much of what you say isn't true. Worse, so much of what you say is misleading and dangerously inflammatory. I know you don't mean for people to suffer from what you say; but there is growing evidence that suffering comes directly and indirectly from your words against us. And in this climate of misunderstanding, families are ruined, churches are split, lives are wasted, and hate crimes against gay and lesbian people increase. Vanity Fair (February, 1995) tells the story of the recent murders of gay men in Texas. How would you feel if you, the 700 Club, and the Christian Coalition turn out to be major sources of the misinformation that leads to these tragic deaths? Once again, in the spirit of Matthew 18:15, I ask for the opportunity to meet with you privately to discuss your claims against us. What if you are wrong about sexual orientation? What if your anti-homosexual words and actions are the cause of broken homes and ruined lives? Isn't it worth a few moments of your time to hear the other side, even if I am wrong? On the weekend of February 10-12, 1995, I will be speaking to various gatherings of gay and lesbian Christians in the Tidewater area. Would you find time in your busy schedule to talk to me while I am in Virginia Beach? I will be free Saturday and Sunday, afternoons and evenings, and though I am scheduled to depart Sunday, I will remain in Virginia Beach if you could see me any time during the day of Monday, Feb. 13. In the name of Christ, our Savior and Lord, Mel Pat Robertson's response to Mel White ====================================== February 7, 1995 Dear Mel: I thank you for your letter. My theology is framed 100 percent on the Bible. We are told in the Bible to love all people including those who sin against the Lord. For this reason I must have love in my heart toward homosexual and lesbian people, and to the best of my knowledge, we are able to minister to about 2,000 of these people through our counseling centers every month. On the other hand, the Bible indicates in the book of Romans that ''God gave them up.'' It is the last stage in the decline of a population. In the Old Testament the statement is clear: ''It is an abomination for a man to lie with a man as with a woman.'' There is nothing you could say and nothing you could do which would make me believe you more than I believe Moses or the apostle Paul. For this reason, I do not wish to meet to debate the merits of homosexuality. You have chosen your lifestyle, and I hope that God will reveal to you one day what His Word says about it. In the meantime, I don't wish you ill, and I would very much appreciate it if you would stop going around the country wishing me ill. I remain Sincerely yours, Pat -- Anno (Dr. Ann B. Carlson) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Email: Home Page: http://ab00.larc.nasa.gov:80/~carlson/ Snail Mail: P O. Box 1086, Yorktown VA, 23692