When you hear someone “making room” for bigotry embedded in state law or church polity, look at who they are. If they are not one of the people oppressed by that policy, but they’re making room for it, they are complicit in the oppression, not at all a neutral bystander.

“We have to respect everyone’s beliefs” is not a neutral statement if one party’s beliefs are that the other one doesn’t exist, can’t have full freedom, or is criminal/sinful.

“Gotta make room for everyone” is one of the most unethical things that we can say. We know better, but we don’t want to be involved in the conflict that ensues if we stand up for what is right, for what is God’s.

Pastors are called to shepherd the flock. Shepherding is not only leading, guiding, and feeding, it’s also protecting. A good shepherd does not allow wolves to tear apart the Body of Christ.

Pay attention to what is said. Even more, pay attention to who is saying it.