When Churches Cancel Their Own

To the Editor:

Re “The Day My Old Church Canceled Me,” by David French (column, June 10):

Mr. French’s discussion of the day his church canceled him is a stunning exposition of the extreme polarization in our society. What has happened to the right to think differently, to disagree and to engage in reasoned discourse? I am appalled.

I used to trust our institutions and their leadership, both of faith and government, to really listen to the other side and help all of us reach the middle ground, the compromises that enable us to move forward as one nation (whether under God or otherwise), but I have lost faith.

Finally, the Supreme Court, the last refuge — particularly the chief justice — has failed us. Who or what will prevent us and the free world from going over the precipice? I am reminded that Thomas Jefferson taught that the government we elect will be the government we deserve. November is coming, and I tremble for the future.

William Titelman
Athens, Greece
The writer is a U.S. citizen and retired lawyer.

To the Editor:

I enjoy reading David French’s thoughtful columns even though I, an atheist, don’t always agree with him. He has helped teach me to keep my heart open to those I might consider political opponents. So I was heartbroken to read his recent piece about the attacks and abandonment his family suffered at their former church.

I live in a bubble; I don’t believe I spend time with people who are deliberately racist and cruel. As a person who spent childhood Sundays in church hearing how Jesus loved children and how he cared for the poor and the downtrodden, I have been perplexed by the behavior of so many people who call themselves Christians.

The members of Mr. French’s old church who treated his family so horrifically would do the same to Jesus if he ventured into their midst. They are no more Christians than the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross.