Mel White's letter to Pat Robertson 
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Pat Robertson, the Chancellery, CBN Center
Virginia Beach, Va. 23463 

Dear Pat, 

For the past six months I've been reading Gandhi, Mandela, Romero, 
Aquino, King, and especially Jesus. They all insist that we must never 
stop trying to negotiate with the people with whom we disagree. You know 
how strongly I disagree with you about your public stand on gay and 
lesbian people. But I was wrong to give up on the possibility that you 
would ever meet with me to talk about this important issue.  Forgive me. 
When I was writing your America's Dates With Destiny, we had several
conversations that proved to me that you are open to contrary views and 
willing to change your position when the evidence is solid. 

For the past three years, we have monitored your broadcast and print 
comments about gay and lesbian Americans. We have collected hours of video 
samples of your direct accusations and casual asides about us on the 700 
Club. You have every right to say what you believe; but much of what you 
say isn't true. Worse, so much of what you say is misleading and 
dangerously inflammatory. 

I know you don't mean for people to suffer from what you say; but there 
is growing evidence that suffering comes directly and indirectly from 
your words against us. And in this climate of misunderstanding, families 
are ruined, churches are split, lives are wasted, and hate crimes against 
gay and lesbian people increase. Vanity Fair (February, 1995) tells the 
story of the recent murders of gay men in Texas. How would you feel if 
you, the 700 Club, and the Christian Coalition turn out to be major
sources of the misinformation that leads to these tragic deaths? 

Once again, in the spirit of Matthew 18:15, I ask for the opportunity to 
meet with you privately to discuss your claims against us. What if you 
are wrong about sexual orientation? What if your anti-homosexual words 
and actions are the cause of broken homes and ruined lives? Isn't it 
worth a few moments of your time to hear the other side, even if I 
am wrong? 

On the weekend of February 10-12, 1995, I will be speaking to various 
gatherings of gay and lesbian Christians in the Tidewater area. Would 
you find time in your busy schedule to talk to me while I am in Virginia 
Beach? I will be free Saturday and Sunday, afternoons and evenings, and 
though I am scheduled to depart Sunday, I will remain in Virginia Beach 
if you could see me any time during the day of Monday, Feb. 13. 

In the name of Christ, our Savior and Lord,
Mel