Decision on Gays

Re “Methodists Uphold Opposition to Gays,” May 12: What a shame that so many in the Methodist Church remain unwilling to acknowledge the full human dignity of gays and lesbians and continue to deny them the right to become ministers. I am proud to be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, a community of faith that openly welcomes full participation of gays and lesbians in our life of worship. At a recent church retreat, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most inspiring, articulate, creative and caring ministers I have ever known, a man whose life example has helped me increase my own commitment to our faith tradition and to changing the world for the better. He also happens to be gay.

When religious leaders prevent members of any group from achieving full status in their organizations, they not only strike a blow against civil rights. They also deprive their communities of the tremendous gifts of human potential that lie within each of us and benefit us all--regardless of our sexual preference.

SUSAN CONRAD

Los Angeles