Thank you for your piece celebrating the 20th anniversary of Village of New Paltz Mayor Emeritus Jason West’s performing the first same-sex marriages and the hard fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The unhinged, hateful, ranting response labeling this story to be anti-Catholic and same-sex marriage as sinful proves the point that solidarity and support are essential elements in this ongoing struggle.

In a 2012 interview about the launch of his book, NIV, Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter, the president said, “Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world, well before Christ was born, and Jesus never said a word about homosexuality. In all of his teachings about multiple things—he never said that gay people should be condemned.”

More so-called Christians should pay attention to John 13:34-35. Jesus said, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other” (verses 34-35).

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Love is Love.