The issue of tolerance of diversity is a critical issue in today’s contemporary American society.

My brother was a retired U.S. Navy captain and pilot. He was a devout Lutheran and an activist for world peace. He was tolerant of all religions and had frequent contacts with clergy persons of many faiths, including Catholic priests, Protestant ministers, Jewish rabbis and others.

Unfortunately, my brother died of cancer two years ago. That group of friends and clergy persons wrote and framed a tapestry which hangs in his Lutheran church in his memory. It reads:

“The test of faith is whether I can make space for difference. Can I recognize God’s image in someone who is not in my image? Whose language, faith, ideals are different from mine? If I cannot, then I have made God in my image instead of allowing him to remake me in his. The dignity of difference.” — By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

I am proud of my brother and his legacy. We were raised to be tolerant of diversity. We also understand that it is our Christian duty to be tolerant of human differences.

About the issue of gay marriage. My profession as a clinical social worker, as well as the other mental health professions, support gay marriage, not as a moral issue, but as a civil rights issue with fairness under the law.

Let us all demonstrate commitment to tolerance of diversity by supporting gay marriage.

I support a “yes” vote on Question 1 in this election.

Ronald Melendy, Auburn