I would like to protest.
Since 1975 I have been a member of BGAV churches. I am a retired pastor, a member of Story Creek Baptist Church in Franklin County.
I protest having to pay for a copy of the Religious Herald. It is like paying for Social Security and suddenly having it denied me because I am too old.
I have been contributing to the Cooperative Program in Virginia through these 35 years for retired pastors and now it is being denied me because it has suddenly been decided that I am not worth it!
I believe that I am no different than most retired pastors — it is not that I cannot afford it but rather the principle of the thing.
Perhaps we (retired pastors) should all decide to ask our home churches to exclude the Herald from our BGAV contributions?
I am aware that this was presented to the BGAV and voted on, but it was a wrong decision based upon wrong recommendations.
Patrick Collins, Rocky Mount
Editor’s note:
I understand the emotional reaction of Rev. Collins and many others from whom we have heard — though not as letters to the editor for print. If there were any way the Herald could afford to continue sending papers to these dedicated, retired servants of God, we would. And if the BGAV budget committee could have determined how to continue sending them and also fund essential ministries, it would have. These are stressful economic times during which we must continue to support and encourage one another. Please don’t shoot the messenger by withholding funding from the Herald.