Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter is response to the article “PES tackles bullying with Diversity Club” and the opinion piece “The gays, the gays, what are we going to do about the gays?” from the Feb. 7 edition of the Ponoka News.
I was one of approximately 40 parents in attendance at the information night hosted by Ponoka Elementary School on Jan. 30. I was one of at least a dozen parents who spoke up throughout the meeting voicing their opinion, pro or con, including the editor of the Ponoka News and members of the editor’s family. We all expressed our opinions as concerned parents who have students at PES.
Why then was I singled out for identification by the Ponoka News? In the report I was identified as “Home Church Pastor Rob MacArthur.” I never identified myself as the pastor of a church. It wasn’t pertinent to the meeting. For that matter, nobody else at the meeting was named nor was anyone else identified by their job. I was not alone in my opinion, yet I was singled out. Why? Not only was I singled out, but the opinion of myself and several other responsible, concerned parents was then identified in the opinion piece as being fearful and ignorant! I don’t think that was fair, nor accurate.
I share these thoughts and my concern because I believe in the midst of our radically changing society, we have to have clear dialogue and mutual respect for ALL people. Following Tuesday’s meeting, I had a private conversation with Michael Green, (deputy director with Altview Foundation) in which I iterated that while we may not agree on the things he spoke of, first and foremost in my heart and mind is maintaining the dignity of all people, including the LGBTQ community. I honour him, because he is made in the image of God. I believe Christ loves him, therefore I have chosen to love him regardless of our differences. My opinion of the editor is no different. In light of that, I kindly ask that the editor be a little more fair in his assessment of others he doesn’t agree with and perhaps more responsible in his reporting, especially when it comes to divisive issues such as this.
Respectfully,
Rob McArthur, concerned parent