To the editor:

Please stop calling conservatives bigots because they don’t agree with the idea of redefining marriage. Just because I disagree with your cause does not mean I hate or even dislike you because you are homosexual. I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, who loves me and you alike. I am not a Fred Phelps follower, a man who drags Christ’s name in the dirt. It does offend me that many of you think that a Christian who is against gay marriage is suddenly equated to Fred Phelps and his hate ministry.

I am against gay marriage not just for reasons of faith, but for cultural, sociological and civic reasons as well. I would urge your community to seek moderate leadership who seek moderate solutions. Civil unions, domestic partnerships on city and state levels, for starters. It is the fair and tolerant answer for your community and doesn’t spit in the face of those who hold the 6,000-year-old meaning of marriage. God bless and you are not hated by the majority of Christians.

Justin Smitley,

Lawrence