I am responding to the Saturday “To the contrary” by the Revs. Ranhosky on why they are so puzzled that their “Christian” brothers and sisters have not responded nor shown support for the articles they have written in the past that were apparently printed by The Herald. I wonder if it has ever occurred to them that these brothers and sisters might not have agreed with their points of view.

My problem with the Rankoskys is that they seem to think that everyone “has to believe” like they do. I believe in God and consider myself a Christian. But I do not believe that “I have the right” to inflict and insist that other Christians’ convictions be exactly like mine. My relationship and how I conduct my life is between and answerable to the God I worship. I am not accountable to the Rankoskys or others like them.

I am a former evangelical. Over the years, I have watched the evangelical movement stoop to depths that have left me bereft. They have become bigoted, hateful and racist about many issues, not the least of which is our current president. The disrespect shown to him and the office of the president is, and continues to be, despicable. You don’t have to agree with his political views, and you certainly have the right express how you feel about them (the issues, that is), but to denigrate him and his family the way the Rankoskys of the world have done is inexcusable and wrong.

After reading their diabribe in Saturday’s Herald, I’m not surprised that their “brothers and sisters” have refrained from commenting. Rev Rankosky, live your life as you see fit, that is your right. But your right doesn't extend to telling me how to live mine.

Bonnie Virch

Fort Mill