SAME-SEX BLESSINGS

Minnesota bishop is doing the right thing

As a United Methodist, I'm pleased that Bishop Sally Dyck has began the process to determine whether the Rev. Greg Renstrom performed a same-sex blessing ceremony in violation of denominational policy ("Same-sex blessings draw ire," Aug. 2).

The article mentioned that 70 pastors from across Minnesota have signed a statement pledging to "offer the grace of the church's blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage." These pastors are dishonest frauds.

They have sworn to uphold church policies. They stay in a church they don't agree with because they'd lose their pensions if they left.

LARRY SORENSON, ARLINGTON, MINN.

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I have much admiration for the courage and commitment Renstrom has shown by participating in same-sex blessings. Many are saddened that the United Methodist Church has had decades of debate and discussion without taking an affirmative stand on this issue.

Renstrom says that he's "sharing the love of Jesus." Most would agree that can never be wrong.

One of the first Scripture verses that children are taught is "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Jesus never once mentioned homosexuality in the New Testament.

There have been heterosexual and homosexual people since the beginning of time, and this will continue as long as heterosexual people keep giving birth. I, for one, will stand with Renstrom on this issue.

We are long overdue in recognizing all of God's children and affording them the same rights and privileges that we who are heterosexuals take for granted.

SHARYN HOLCOMB, MAHTOMEDI

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ADOPTION'S IMPACT

Recent story captured complexities of issues

Thank you, Katy Read, and the Star Tribune for starting a new conversation on the long-term impact of adoption ("Newfound challenges unite adult adoptees," Aug. 2.)

As the manager for Adoptees Have Answers, an organization run by and for adoptees, I am heartened by the fact that we are creating a platform for the diverse Minnesota adoptees who grapple -- sometimes for decades -- to come to terms with the complex emotions and issues related to being adopted.

Let us also not forget the multitude of adoptees whose stories may be less profound, yet who nonetheless struggle with vestiges of their early loss, grief, abandonment and trust issues, identity confusion, etc.

Often adoptees simply need adopted peers to connect with to help them process emotions that, if unattended, can become immobilizing. Families who provide their adoptees the emotional space to explore their own histories and psychology are our greatest partners in this effort.

KATE MALONEY, MINNEAPOLIS

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KATHERINE KERSTEN

Just how wrong was her far-right perspective?

Why is Katherine Kersten upset with union money being spent to influence the electorate ("Left-wing influence is on the rampage," July 31)?

With money from Americans for Prosperity, American Crossroads, Club for Growth and many others, the right certainly has no shortage of funds to buy influence.

Richard Trumka, the AFL-CIO president, recently said, "If we try to compete in that game, we can't compete. They have ... much more resources."

MIKE MCDONALD, ST. PAUL

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Like a lot of folks, I'm frustrated and scared. Ineffective government is bad enough. Now the wealthy want to further damage the middle class by eviscerating unions. A vital union representing workers ensures equity and a viable middle class.

It's humorous that some on the far right object when their opponents use their own tactics against them. Kersten described it as "lavish spending, hardball tactics, and national connections."

Yes, it's regrettable that a nice state like Wisconsin is the battleground for our middle class. But tax breaks for millionaires vs. breaking unions seems like a battle worth waging.

EARL MCGOVERN, MINNEAPOLIS

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MIDWEST TOMATOFEST

Don't waste food when people are starving

While Tomatofest looked like a lot of fun, I couldn't help wondering if the tomatoes could have been put to a better use, like helping the millions of people starving to death in Somalia ("Tomatoes a la splat," Aug. 1).

The piece said the tomatoes were too ripe and would be thrown away anyway. But the photo showed some pretty ordinary and edible looking tomatoes. If I saw this article while starving in Somalia, I'd be pretty furious.

JOHN HOWARD, EDINA

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GRACEFUL DYING

Horrible illness is no excuse for suicide

Dudley Clendinen's journey with the devastating and deadly Lou Gehrig's Disease is heart-wrenching ("How to die with grace," July 31). However, I cannot agree with his decision to end his life -- even when serious medical issues escalate and the costs of his treatment soar.

Current philosophies of health care seem to support the compassionate choices he writes about. He wants not to be handed a pistol but prefers "a way that's quiet and calm," like a lethal cocktail (assisted suicide).

Most people realize suicide to be a terrible tragedy, one that a truly compassionate society should work to prevent. To permit physician-assisted suicide doesn't enhance choices or freedom for people with serious health conditions. Rather, it adds to the suffering of seriously ill people.

Their worst suffering is often not physical pain, which can be alleviated with competent medical care, but rather feelings of isolation and helplessness.

We must stand for the dignity of people with serious illnesses and disabilities. We must promote life-affirming solutions for their problems and hardships. The claim that the "quick fix" of an overdose of drugs can substitute for these efforts is an affront to patients, caregivers and the ideals of medicine.

CASEY WARREN, BLOOMINGTON

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CORRECTION

Katherine Kersten's July 31 column gave an incorrect date for Wisconsin's state Senate recall elections. The elections are Aug. 9 and 16.