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04/15/2020 08:00 AM

Has Crossed the Line


I’m writing to express my concerns that last week’s paid message from Ambassadors for Christ presents an irresponsible and potentially dangerous message during this time of social distancing and staying-at-home. I would also suggest that the Valley Courier exercise better judgment when accepting ads for the newspaper. In the April 2 issue, the paid message from Ambassadors for Christ discusses the deaths from the 1918 influenza pandemic, and ends by saying ​“though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. If you make the Lord your refuge ...no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”

​The message implies that those who are sickened by the virus have contracted the virus because they have not made the Lord their Savior. It suggests that those who are sickened brought the “plague” upon themselves and are being punished because they “didn’t accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord”. Rhetoric like this is unnecessary and callous. In addition, and most important, the message suggests that quarantine and social distancing measures are not necessary if you “make the Lord your refuge”.

During this pandemic, rhetoric like this is very dangerous. Ambassadors for Christ has crossed the line and should be ashamed of its recent message. We must work together during this health crisis. We must be responsible citizens who care about the welfare of the entire community whether we are Christians, Jews, Muslims, humanists, or atheists. We do not need divisive messages during these challenging times. We will all get through this by working together with compassion and respect for one another.

Ellen Kessner

Chester