Dear Editor,

Three letters last week supported HB135, all agreeing that the authors have the right to refuse service to fellow Americans because of their religious beliefs. I’m going to guess, since we live in a nation where the majority claim Christianity as their religion, that they are basing that claim on Christianity.

As I recall from my years in church, Jesus of Nazareth was the founder of that religion, and he hung around with – and refused to condemn – the marginalized of his society, such as prostitutes and tax collectors. In fact, he called on his followers to treat each other as they themselves wished to be treated and to not judge each other. He further insisted that his followers obey the laws of the land.
If your religion instead calls for you to judge others and ask for special dispensation to disobey the laws of our land (and basic human decency) then maybe you should ask yourself if it’s really Christianity you follow.
Love your LGBT neighbors as yourself and treat them the way you yourself would wish to be treated if you were in the minority. That is your religion in action.

Marci Shaver,
Torrington