We can love each other without sacrificing faith

First of all I would like to thank Mr. Guagenti for his thoughtful, well-stated opinion of July 8 regarding this Supreme Court ruling. I would also like to thank him for the obvious lack of hateful rhetoric.

If we are to be completely fair, accusations of discrimination would have to be applied equally. If I denounce someone's beliefs as discriminating against me, am I not also guilty of discriminating against his beliefs? This Supreme Court decision is a case in point. Were there no laws requiring someone to violate their own rights to religious beliefs and conscience, there certainly would be no need for a lawsuit to "protect" those rights.

By her own statement, this designer had no desire to discriminate against this gay couple or to impose her values on them. Was not this couple attempting to impose their values on her? She said she would be happy to design other types of websites for them - just not one that, contrary to her religious conscience, would condone or promote gay marriage.

I certainly respect the right for anyone to believe as they see fit and to attend the church of their choice without condemnation. However, it should be noted that there are differences of opinion as to what the name Christian means.

There are many who believe, as I do, that to call oneself a Christian implies following the teachings of Christ which are quite clear regarding sexual immorality - of all kinds. With respect, I disagree with Mr. Guagenti in that, while Jesus would definitely love and respect this gay couple, there is no evidence in Scripture that he would condone gay marriage.

In a country that was founded on principles of religious freedom, is it not possible to love one another without being forced to give up one's faith?

Skip Lundgren

Arlington Heights