To our beloved citizens of Ashland. We have the privilege as citizens to exercise the freedom of speech. The constitution of the United States grants us this privilege.
In the public debate on the issues at our Ashland Public Library and other community forum’s, we have the right of expressions. It is imperative that we remind ourselves to be kind and respectful of people’s differences of opinion. There is a proper way to express disagreement and an improper way.
Pastor Dave McNeely and myself do not participant in social media posts, but it has been reported to us that unkind and disrespectful things have been posted. We do not endorse or condone such expressions. Our goal in debate is to present our positions. It does not enhance the debate to intimidate with words, to malign those you disagree with or ridicule. We encourage a refrain from such conduct.
We ask you to allow grace to season our words. Our goal is to express our positions and let the community decide. We want to remain neighbors with those who may not align themselves with our positions. We do not condone any social media posts of disrespect and criticism.
Finally, we are admonished by a greater word than our own. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6
Pastor David McNeely, New Life Community Church
Pastor John A. Bouquet, Bethel Baptist Church
