PRIDE: God created the joyous complexity of life

I was happy I could have a booth at the Pride in the Park event last Saturday. It was a fun and festive event. I am disappointed, but not surprised, at the number of negative letters to the editor this event engendered.

My purpose was to be there in a position of visible support and to let folks feel free to ask whatever questions they liked of me. We also sponsored a second booth for our Counseling Clinic because we are supporters there as well.

Others asked how I, as a local elected leader, and a person of faith, could do this. It was easy. 

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 such as His natural creation, Sacred Texts, and through our fellow human beings, about how we should conduct ourselves in this earthly life.

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 of life such as He has. 

I am comforted and content to leave it at that but very proud that my Pastor and my church are strong supporters as well.

DAN ENGLISH, LPC and Cd’A City Council Member

Coeur d’Alene