Herald missed big picture in this story

On Aug. 1, the Daily Herald weighed in on a recent event that transpired at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness. In the course of events the leadership at Holy Family dismissed its choir director after 17 years of service. The explanation given by the church was, "Those that serve as ministers of the Church, including worship ministers, are expected to conform their lives publicly with the teachings of the Church."

I commend the Daily Herald for wanting to encourage harmony in all contexts of human relationship. But there is a bigger picture to this story than what the Daily Herald portrayed.

First, the opinion writer said, "As a secular business, we find his firing hard to understand." I wonder why there is difficulty in understanding? The use of the term "secular" is revealing. It means "of or relating to the physical world and not the spiritual world." God's revealed ways have always been a problem for "secular-thinking folks." Yes, it's true that this same God has called us to love one another. But the Scriptures teach us that if we truly love God, we will keep his commandments (John 14:15).

Second, the editorial goes on to ask, "Should the church do more to recognize that the world is changing?"

Yes, the world is changing regarding the definition of sexual morality. But that doesn't mean that the changes we see are always good. The world does not exist to inform the Church as to what is right or wrong. It's the other way around. And in a world of moral confusion the Church - more than ever - needs to speak truth into all of our lives. And sometimes the consequences of the truth will hurt.

Harry Shields

Wheaton