Regarding April 12’s article by Nate Carlisle about “Panel decries ‘fashionable’ intolerance toward religion,” I continue to be frustrated by the religious right’s portrayal of so-called “religious intolerance.” Have you ever seen anyone protest church-sponsored homeless shelters, food banks, clothing drives or soup kitchens? No, only acts of hate and discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and place of origin are met with vocal criticism, and if needed, legal challenges.
Church leaders and believers need to ask themselves if they subscribe to a faith based on a foundation of hate and discrimination or a foundation of love and compassion. I fear this unholy alliance between organized religion and political conservatism will be the downfall of our country.
Charles Goodwin, Salt Lake City
