Dear Mr. Stern,

I am sure you are still living in the whirlwind created by the decision and then abrupt reversal of the decision made by World Vision to consider employing couples in a committed homosexual relationship. I am just a parish pastor and not the head of a denomination or an organization with significant funds to support the work of World Vision and so my two cents won’t amount to much, but remaining silent is not an attractive or faithful option.

World Vision reversed its decision not because of beliefs or values central to the Gospel or to the mission of your organization, but because of money. When a portion of the evangelical community withdrew funds or threatened to withdraw funds, sometimes conveying their decision to you using language and rhetoric which was, at least, hurtful if not hateful, you backed away from a decision that, I am sure, you and the World Vision Board thought long and hard about. You also backed away from an opportunity to engage those who disagreed with you and other religious leaders in an open and honest conversation about what values are central to the Gospel and to your organization (please reread A Hole in the Gospel). This would have been a unique opportunity to remind not only the Christians community, but also the larger community about the desperate need faced by so many in our world and a set of values that are central to our faith tradition.

Also, I am afraid your short-term financial gain will result in a long-term loss. All the studies and statistics I read indicate that those who are younger than you and me do not see homosexuality and gay marriage in the same way those who withdrew their financial support view it. In fact, those who are younger are highly critical of and turning their backs on religion and religious organizations which they perceive as narrow-minded and hateful. All of which means, that as funding for organizations such as World Vision shifts from this current generation to younger generations, potential supporters are going to look for organizations that not only are doing much needed work to alleviate suffering and hunger, but organizations which reflect values and practices which are more inclusive and understanding. Your decision, and the manner in which it was made and communicated, not only reinforced destructive stereotypes, but also turned away from the opportunity to help the next generation share in the ministry and mission of World Vision.

Sincerely,
The Rev. Paul Alcorn