"Jesus came to knock down walls and widen the circle of inclusion, rather than draw theological and moral lines."

Dear Dr. Taylor,

I am writing to you as an alumnus, neighbor, and converted Episcopalian. I was appalled at the recent decision by Campus Pastor Bobby Gatlin to “uninvite” Presbyterian and Episcopal college chaplains to a campus ministry fair because of their denomination’s stance supporting same-sex marriage. Mr. Gatlin’s bio on the Samford website is richly ironic when it states, “His hope is to see more and more Samford students growing in their faith and choosing to “walk the walk” every day." He might consider the following passages to help him "walk the walk" where Jesus welcomes all to His table:

· At a table he eats with a Pharisee and forgives a sinful woman. Luke 7:36-50

· When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. Luke 14:13.

Jesus came to knock down walls and widen the circle of inclusion, rather than draw theological and moral lines.

Sincerely,

Mark Whiteside