In Theory:

Fanatics, whether religious or not, cannot justify illegal actions based on some type of moral justification that supersedes the law. We are a country of laws, and if those laws are abused or ignored, then the integrity of our legal system and our way of life breaks down.

Churches should, and must, play an important role in dealing with these moral issues. In doing so, churches have the responsibility to make sure that they do not cross the line and become political, or to cause their adherents to overstep the laws of this country.

Churches should better individuals and society; they should not detract from either. When they do, they fail society and themselves.

As to racism, it cannot be tolerated. The teachings of Jesus Christ provide us with a guide on how we should treat others. He said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13: 34, 35 KJV).” We should remember and abide by his counsel.

BISHOP FRED L. CARPENTER

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Let’s not give the actions of one, unbalanced individual the power to tip the scales of the collective consciousness that has made so much progress in establishing better communications, acceptance, peace and even love among the different races and religions.

The good efforts of those involved in the 1960s “peace movement” have done so much to influence our national attitude to one that is much more open-minded and focused on resolving our differences. Through the last 45 to 50 years, our country has encouraged political, business and religious leaders to find creative ways in which we all can work together for the highest good of all concerned.

Freedom from the hatred, racism and religious persecution of the past comes when we each take responsibility for our attitudes and learn to support one another, looking for the ways in which we are more alike than the ways that we are different.

At the close of each Sunday service at Unity Church of the Valley, we sing “The Peace Song.” The opening line of the song is: “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.”

It seems to me that living in peace is the life lesson before all of us.

PASTOR JERI LINN

Unity Church of the Valley