MY TURN: An open letter to Dan English

Dear Councilman English,

I recently read the Jan. 1, 2024. Coeur d'Alene Press article titled, “Leaders Look to 2024.”

Within the piece you suggest that you are concerned about the deteriorating relationship between “our local government agencies” and the “faith community.” Indeed, there has been a breakdown — and for some in the “faith community,” there is good reason.

Please allow me to note a few concerns.

I’ll begin by mentioning the fact that you, in particular, advocated for Pride in the Park — an event that waves a “flag” in the face of all who hold to traditional biblical family values while flaunting a deplorable lifestyle condemned by God.

In your letter to the editor from June 15, 2022, you wrote, “I was happy I could have a booth at the recent Pride in the Park event.” Yet you wonder why there is deterioration between you and the “faith community.” It seems that as a representative of the city, respect for the high moral standards Christian leaders seek to uphold is mocked. Your presence (and applause) of such an event (drag queen included) is a fruitless way to improve a relationship with the faith community you seek to embrace.

In the same June 15 letter, you wrote, “I believe we are all created beings, created by a loving and knowable God who has communicated to us over the ages in various ways about how we should conduct ourselves in this earthly life. The bottom line is to have love, one for another.” Moreover, you wrote, “I believe He made Adam and Eve as male and female but for whatever reason He also chose to make a whole lot of other designs when it comes to our sexual nature and identities. At times, I have tried to ponder why He did this when it can cause so much joy but also pain, confusion and hate. Then I am reminded that it is not ours to know the mind of God or why He chose to create the joyous complexity life such as He has.”

Dan, the contradictions are obvious. You say you believe in God as a loving knowable Creator, but also blame Him for pain and confusion.

The pain and confusion you mention is not the creation of God. Moreover, your confusion is good reason to seek for sound theologians who can explain why pain and confusion exist. An open heart to the truth may help bridge the gap between the “government agencies” and the “faith community.” The deconstruction of the well-known fundamental standards of the God-created natural union between one man and one woman has led to an alarming response from many. We in the biblically conservative faith community cannot partner with aberrant thought and/or action. Therefore, deterioration between the “government agencies” and the “faith community” must occur.

As a second mention, allow me to note that for several years the Ministerial Association has invited you and other city officials to attend the politically neutral National Day of Prayer. However, we have seen little to no response.

The most obvious exception was the earlier support we received from Mayor Steve Widmyer and an occasional visit from Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel. For these two I am thankful! However, over the recent years we have noted that none of you, to my knowledge, have had time or interest in supporting the nationally recognized event.

Since his election, Sheriff Bob Norris has attended — and participated. Other county employees have been present for years — including Commissioner Leslie Duncan. However, few, if any, city officials have attended — to my knowledge.

The churches of CDA have tremendous interest in supporting the city. However, we (speaking for the ministerial association) have felt little to no interest coming our way.

Please note: This year’s National Day of Prayer event will be held at McEuen Park on Thursday, May 2, at noon. You are all invited.

Thirdly, the City Council’s recent decision to “manage faith activities” (namely the invocation provided at City Council meetings) has shown that your interests have not been in support of the biblically based orthodox Christian faith but allows for the invoking of lying spirits who intend to harm. This too has led to the “deterioration” you mention.

Finally, a grave and alarming concern is found in your statement, “My personal action step to help heal and reconcile that divide is to be a local volunteer leader/presenter in a six-week series sponsored by the Redeeming Babel organization called, ‘The After Party: Towards Better Christian Politics.’” 

This is a troubling and interesting statement. The history of Babel would cause any biblically minded student of scripture to step back — way back. Babel was the location of a direct rebellion against God. Furthermore, the actions taken by the advocates of Babel inspired a divine worldwide judgment wherein God Himself separated the people into distinguishable people groups — indicating that a unified rebellion against God would not be tolerated.

Since the God-ordained judgment at the Tower of Babel, many have been working to recreate a reunification. May we all remember that the God-created diversity was His plan. He intended then (and intends today) to identify right from wrong and good from evil. The lesson requires discernment — and therefore, division when necessary.

The “coexist” movement and “unity through diversity” agendas smell of a return to Babylon. They are indeed the actions of an antichrist spirit. Globalism and Humanism carry the stench of Babylon — as do all her children. Islam (and the false god Muslims serve), Mormonism (and the belief that one may become a god), Witchcraft, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. (along with all groups worshipping and or engaging the “gods,” “ascended masters,” and spirits), Unitarianism (and its milquetoast lack of defined standards)… any and all in the so-called “faith community” who deny biblical orthodox Christian doctrine together make up “Mystery Babylon.” Babel cannot be “redeemed” without genuine repentance in recognition of the one and only true and living God.

Do I sound mean spirited? I’m not! I love our community and all its residents. I simply believe that telling the truth is an act of love — a love that calls to the deceived, the dead, the lost.

That said, I am interested in discussing your goals — public or private. I am interested in living peacefully alongside others who share our common community. I am interested in respectful dialog. I am interested in seeing “our local government agencies” and the “faith community” work together for the truth. However, those who inspire a call to “redeem Babel” must consider the historical overtones the expression inspires.

 • • • 

Paul D. Van Noy, pastor, Candlelight, and Kootenai County Ministerial Association.