Donald Sheley, pastor at San Bruno’s Church of the Highlands, does not have to meet with members of the Anti-Defamation League. He has the right to say what he wants in his sermon and has worked at his profession long enough to know what is appropriate to say.
However, a recent sermon of his seemed to rub both a visitor and some people in his congregation the wrong way. A complaint was forwarded to the Anti-Defamation League over some statements in Sheley’s Aug. 7 sermon in which he referenced the Bible’s depiction of Jesus’ death as a Jewish crime. As reported in the Daily Journal Monday, Sheley’s sermon claimed the troubles the "nation of Israel” faced since the time of the Jesus’ death is a result of its rejection of Jesus.
Though he has a right to say what he thinks and to not meet with the Anti-Defamation League, it should be the responsibility of community leaders such as Sheley to foster good will and communication to others of different faiths and opinions.
Such a meeting may not yield an apology or even an understanding between Sheley and the league. However, it is imperative to at least try.
In light of recent world tension among those who worship different gods in different ways, our society’s religious leaders should show an understanding and compassion toward others.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion and free speech, but the United States was founded on the premise of tolerance of others. It is the basis of our culture and it gives each American the liberty to be themselves without recourse. It is with this thought that Sheley should agree to meet with members of the Anti-Defamation League to not only better understand where the group is coming from but also get to know the basis of their beliefs.
Otherwise, a smite perceived in a sermon could fester into disappointment, mistrust and perhaps even fear or spite. Sheley need not apologize to make amends, his beliefs may be fixed. However, his words are powerful and could create a schism that need not be. He should agree to meet with the Anti-Defamation League and hear their concerns.
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