Letter to the Editor

Disappointed in Us

Your November article on Gene Robinson [“Calm Before the Storm”] portrays him as a man committed to his theology. He may indeed be helpful and an encouragement to people with problems.

His own problem, that he divorced and now lives in an openly homosexual relationship, should prevent him from leading his church as a bishop. If he felt concerns about his sexuality, was divorced and remained celibate, he could realistically serve as a bishop.

Your article presents him as misunderstood and unappreciated by his church. Understanding and appreciation are up to the Episcopal Church to judge, not New Hampshire Magazine and other lay people.

To compare himself to Christ, saying, “Jesus was always in a little trouble,” strikes me as an inappropriate and arrogant assertion. I am disappointed in your magazine.

Lois Doskocil
Acton, Mass.

Ditto

This is a letter of concern because you gave so much space in your November 2005 edition for an article regarding Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson.

Of all the beautiful places in New Hampshire to feature, it is a disappointment that someone who has caused so much division and pain should be highlighted in New Hampshire Magazine.

We trust that future editions will be more sensitive to the readers.

Nancy Pritchard

(The letter was co-signed

by nine other readers.)

Same Here

Without question, Gene Robinson is a nice man. There are a lot of very nice people in the world who are just wrong. The foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which Gene Robinson purports to believe …) is that we all fall short of God’s enormous grace, love and justice. We cannot rewrite Truth, for if we do it is to the very peril of the people we say we love by “accepting” them and their “differences.”

If Gene Robinson had left his wife and children for another woman, there would not ever have been a question of his being placed in such a position of authority. But because he left for a man, suddenly it is not just fine, but even noble.

There are many, many people in this state who have served Christ faithfully and quietly, including lay people and clergy alike. I am aware you are not a Christian magazine, nor do I expect you to be, but please, do attempt to at least draw in people who represent a meaningfully significant part of the state’s population.

Susan Sheesley

East Kingston

A Needed Dialogue

I greatly enjoyed Meg Cadoux Hirshberg’s article and John Hession’s pictures of Bishop Gene Robinson. As a practicing Episcopalian who happens to be straight, I felt you captured the true essence of a man whose very nature has called to church those to whom Christ most likely would have reached.

These may not be the people who will leave hefty endowments to parishes (you remember that old camel through the eye of the needle passage), but those who need God the most and those that the churches need the most.

One other thing that Gene did for those who felt displaced by his ordination and that is his being gay opened a dialogue about our religion and about what it means to be a Christian. Would a heterosexual 60-something white male bishop have generated a similar exploration into one’s beliefs and understanding of Christ? Nah.

Paul Lister
Bethlehem

According to Paul

I received a copy of the November issue of New Hampshire Magazine from my family this week. They reside in your beautiful state and I am preparing for a visit with them over the Christmas holidays.

The article about Bishop Gene Robinson caught my attention, and I have done some searching in the Bible for New Testament references to the question of homosexuality. Your readers may be interested in reading the Apostle Paul’s words about this condition of the heart of natural man. He speaks quite plainly in Romans 1:26, 27 and I Corinthians 6: 9, 10.

May the word of God speak for itself in whatever state we are in.

Janet Harville
Rutledge, Tenn.

The “L” Word

Although finding the Newt is the first thing I do when New Hampshire [Magazine] arrives, it’s certainly not the last. I particularly enjoyed the article entitled “Murals for Design and Depth.” What beautiful artwork! We built our house in 2001 and have yet to paint the walls over the carpenter flat white and this article gave me some ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

I have to ask (and I’ll admit I’m not good with delicacy), does New Hampshire Magazine consider itself a liberal periodical? I’m sure you realize the reason for my question — the article “Bishop Gene Robinson: Calm Before the Storm.”

It appears that New Hampshire [Magazine’s] position on gay preachers is a supportive one. Is this true? Because my position is, very clearly, not a supportive one. Gay men have no place in leadership in our churches, whatever the denomination. I will not be shy about that, and I hope you will be as honest with me as to the magazine’s stance.

In the past, I have always enjoyed the articles, recipes and reviews of local businesses that you have featured. Your wine edition has been very helpful as well. Perhaps it would behoove New Hampshire [Magazine] to steer clear of issues that would detract from the pleasant read I, and other “crusty, conservative” New Hampshire-ites, have come to expect.

Michele Gilbert
Pembroke

Editor’s Note: The magazine’s only intentional bias is toward good photography and writing, which we believe were on display in the Bishop Robinson story. We also love to publish well-crafted critiques of our performance, such as your letter.

A Lighter Note

Diana and I want to compliment you and your staff for the exquisite article, “Christmas at The Fells.”

The excellent photography and script certainly allows one to realize the quality of reporting that New Hampshire Magazine has achieved. The coverage also makes the reader feel the excitement and mystique of this “gem on Lake Sunapee.”

Thank you, and we invite you to Christmas at The Fells, 2006.

Bob Morris,
Chairman of the Board, The Fells
Diana Morris, Board Member

Attention, Jack

In response to a recent article [written by Jack Kenny] in the New Hampshire Magazine [Dec. 2005], I am inviting you to a cup of coffee on us. I own a restaurant here in Manchester and our coffee mugs have become our trademark. In comparison to the overpriced thimble-size cup of Joe you got at Dunkin Donuts, we offer a 16 oz. mug for $1.15 plus tax, totaling $1.24. We’ve made our mugs the focus of our slogan, “Get Mugged at Chiggy’s.” Please stop by and see for yourself that our cup of coffee is well worth the price. (Even after the 8 percent meals tax that N.H. applies.)

Cindy Kenney
Chiggy’s Place, Manchester

Spot the Lizard?

I just received my November edition of New Hampshire Magazine (great articles about the restaurants!!), and I was curious about the cover art. On my copy, if you look closely at the clam on the plate, there is a stamp of a lizard.

It is driving me crazy as to why it is there, is it on all the copies or just our copy? Obviously if you don’t know what I am talking about then it must only be on our copy. Just curious and thank you for your time.

Elizabeth K. Strachan

Dover

Editor’s Note: The magazine’s creative director is so fond of the newt (she designed his distinctive logo, below) that she frequently hides one on the cover. She usually does such a good job that it goes undetected, even by the editors. This one stood out a bit more than usual, but you should still be commended for your powers of observation. No prizes are given for finding the cover newt, but you are entitled to bragging rights at any gathering of herptileophiles.

Newt Arrival

I want to thank you for the terrific N.H. basket that I won from the Spot the Newt contest for the month of November. What a beautiful job of decoration and filled with New Hampshire products! Do appreciate all — again, thank you.

Phyllis Noel
Barrington