LETTERS: APOLOGY FROM ONE PESKY CHRISTIAN

To the editor:

There has been much said lately about the coercive behavior of intolerant religious people, namely us pesky Christians. Life must be pretty miserable with all this threatening intimidation. The letters and Speak Out callers have made me aware of my of coercive behavior, so please let me apologize.

To anyone who has sneezed in my presence, I apologize for offering you a sympathetic "God bless you." I can see where I deprived you of your constitutional right to be ill.

I apologize for anyone I offended by saying "Merry Christmas." I'm sorry my religious intolerance of your materialism might have caused you to recall why we celebrate this special birthday.

To anyone who has been an invited guest in my home for dinner, I apologize for asking God's blessing to grace our meal. Undoubtedly, I've been taking away your civil liberties to enjoy food that inadvertently cooled for 30 seconds.

And, finally, I apologize to anyone who doesn't catch the irony of this letter. God bless you all. (Oops. Sorry.)

The REV. GRANT F.C. GILLARD, Pastor

First Presbyterian Church

Jackson