Dear Editor:
I often enjoy reading The Dillon Herald and articles written by Bishop Michael Goings. However, his commentary “Comments on the Massacre in Orlando” published June 16, 2016 has compelled me to respond in favor with Bishop Goings expressed sentiments of shock and horror, and his sympathetic view toward the victims of this horrendous crime. I would also like to applaud The Dillon Herald for allowing those, such as Bishop Goings, to have a platform to express and/or comment on the current, cultural, and historical events from a Christian perspective.
In that an opposing view by Mr. Wil Brown “Local Man Expresses Dislike of Column,” 6/21/16 was also published, has caused me to further express an appreciation for The Dillon Herald for truly being fair and balanced. We should all be thankful that we live in a society that does not prevent us from having opposing opinions and views. On the other hand, it’s becoming more common place to label anyone who opposes the LGBT lifestyle as a “bigot.” That being said, even more so is the illogical reasoning behind Mr. Brown’s decision to stop subscribing to The Dillon Herald simply because he doesn’t like the opinion of Bishop Michael Goings!
Apparently Mr. Brown has formed his opinion from a culture that is becoming more and more hostile toward those who hold fast to a clear Biblical world view. I would suggest that Mr. Brown search the scriptures, so that he might at least attempt to gain some understanding of why Bishop Goings has formed his opinion. In his rebuttal of Bishop Goings’s comments, Mr. Brown stated that Mr. Goings “… could not help himself but to blame the victims.” I would encourage Mr. Brown to re-read the article again that he might see that Bishop Goings said “it is not only unfair, but an act of gross stupidity to point a finger of blame toward we who do not endorse or support the gay lifestyle.”
Finally I encourage The Dillon Herald to continue allowing opposite thoughts to be expressed in a fair, reasonable, and intelligent manner. Although, there will be those such as Mr. Wil Brown who will withdraw their support and subscriptions, there aare still many of us who enjoy “free thought” that provoke healthy debate and will continue to support this valuable source of local news and information.
To Bishop Goings, thank you for being a Prophetic voice whose time has come to pass. We applaud your willingness and boldness in standing fast in the faith, as well as being a true Christian Community Leader who is not afraid to wave the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ that teaches, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
Sincerely,
James A. McDuffie
2119 Lamishea Lane
Dillon, SC 29536