Intolerance instead of Listening

Apparently Brigham Young University has fired an instructor for an op-ed piece in support of gay marriage.

Jeffrey Nielsen, a philosophy instructor, said in an of-ed piece for the June 4 edition of The Salt Lake Tribune, "I believe opposing gay marriage and seeking a constitutional amendment against it is immoral."

Nielsen, a Mormon, said he learned of the school's decision regarding him in a June 8 letter from Daniel Graham, chairman of the Department of Philosophy.

"In accordance with the order of the church, we do not consider it our responsibility to correct, contradict or dismiss official pronouncements of the church," the letter said.

"Since you have chosen to contradict and oppose the church in an area of great concern to church leaders, and to do so in a public forum, we will not rehire you after the current term is over," the letter said.

In other words, the LDS can't even talk about the issue.

That's a shame, and an example of intolerance.

If a faith is so weak that it can't handle some discussion and dispute, what is its value.

This is the sort of method for the Episcopal church to avoid as it wrestles with the issue of gay bishops.

GP