Victoria Quintana carries a photograph of Vanessa Collier, right, and her partner, Christina Higley, during a rally outside New Hope Ministries in Lakewood on Tuesday. A minister at the church refused to hold a memorial service on Saturday for Collier, a mother of two, because the woman was gay, family and friends said Tuesday. (Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post)
Re: “Family: Church in Lakewood stops woman’s funeral because she was gay,” Jan. 14 news story.
As a member of the clergy, I am stunned that Pastor Ray Chavez of New Hope Ministries would stop a funeral filled with those grieving the loss of a spouse and mother because of his judgmental perspective. His insensitivity on this occasion is the kind of behavior that makes people see Christians as hypocritical. How disturbing and sad that a man who claims the role of “pastor” would be so lacking in pastoral care.
I am reminded of the advocate of nonviolence Mahatma Gandhi’s oft-quoted view of Christianity: “I love your Christ. I do not love your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” Pastor Chavez owes this couple and their families an apology. Their sexual orientation is irrelevant.
Rev. Larry Bradford,Lakewood
The writer is a retired Episcopal priest.
This letter was published in the Jan. 16 edition.
Re: “New Hope church in Lakewood turned funeral into fiasco,” Jan. 15 editorial.
I agree with The Denver Post editorial’s take on the lesbian funeral fiasco in Lakewood — although “missed opportunities and misunderstandings” was an understatement. Both sides failed in this tragic story.
If faith was an important component of Vanessa Collier’s life, why choose a church that does not embrace the GLBT community? Many would be welcoming in such a time of need.
And why, during his pre-funeral ministering, did Pastor Ray Chavez not unearth such a fundamental difference of religious values? Organizations (religious or not) providing secular functions should not discriminate against gays and lesbians, but this was a religious institution and religious function.
My heart aches that this family’s grief and treatment provides a macabre warning for all: plan and discuss your end-of-life intentions now.
A. White, Denver
This letter was published in the Jan. 16 edition.
A ministry opportunity was lost when Pastor Ray Chavez stopped the funeral service of Vanessa Collier because of her sexual orientation. In contrast, I recently attended a funeral held at Calvary Chapel in Aurora, where the church hosted without charge the funeral service of a man whose lifestyle was contrary to that of the church. Calvary Chapel offered services, a pastor, love and support to the widow who did not have a relationship with the church. The pictures in his DVD clearly indicated that he lived a life outside of the church. The widow was so touched that she wanted to start attending Calvary Chapel.
Only God can judge any of us. Those of us who serve in the ministry are challenged to rise above our values and love those who are broken and hurting.
Debbie Stafford,Aurora
The writer is an associate pastor with Rock Church in Parker and a former Colorado state representative.
This letter was published in the Jan. 16 edition.It would be helpful for Pastor Ray Chavez of New Hope Ministries to remember that Jesus embraced the social outcasts who were rejected by a majority of church leaders of his day.
Richard S. Johnson,Denver
This letter was published in the Jan. 16 edition.
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