Mrs. Brady Tucker, I would like to tell you how much anger, disbelief and injustice I felt you were giving to “religion” when I first read your letter on July 8.

But then, calmness came over me, a compassionate heart yearning to somehow give you comfort, hope and reassurance that “religion” is not what you have perceived it, but what you make of it.

The tragedy you went through is that, a tragedy, but categorizing all religion in such a dark light is the essence of what and why “religion” exists. If it were not for the book of “religion,” I would not be writing a letter as you have, but would not be here today. That of course is a question or debate you may have with yourself at a later time, why are you here?

The instance regarding your friend’s daughter, however, is worthy of rebuttal. I have had family and my owns kids connected to that school for over 14 years. Many issues have come up over the years, but I have never found the staff and parents to be anything less than compassionate, heartfelt and helpful with no regard to race, religion or human ability.

Mrs. Tucker, I am truly sorry for part of what you feel. In regards to the school and past churches, you said, “they are not seeing people for the way they are and not trying to change them, this is what is known as tolerance and respect.” It sounds more like you are being used by “religion,” influencing your circle of friends, co-workers and neighbors to seek the lack of compassion for others.

Religion, as my pastor told me, is the essence of change, and to master change you must first change your paradigm from what you will lose to what you will gain. You have found most of that answer; I pray you find the rest.

David Sherman

Oak Harbor