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The Dartmouth
July 8, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

Vox Clamantis

A Reluctance to Engage

To the Editor:

As a gay alumnus who worked extensively with the Tucker Foundation, I have major qualms with Katie Wheeler's take-down of the Rev. James Tengatenga ("Actions Speak Louder," July 26).

Malawi's record on LGBT rights is shameful, and as a Christian I am troubled that Malawian churches have often been complicit in persecution. These things, however, did not arise out of some pressure to be a "bro," but from centuries of religious and cultural attitudes that we cannot simply expect will evaporate overnight.

In this context, it is remarkable progress that Rev. Tengatenga has embraced LGBT rights and marriage equality. Ms. Wheeler's expectation that "those who have been openly party to [homophobia] in the past will not be granted positions of influence" presents a rather narrow view of social justice, one that precludes the possibility of personal growth. Additionally, to automatically exclude people from religious and cultural contexts with imperfect records on LGBT rights would severely undermine Tucker's core goal of interfaith dialogue and reconciliation.

Furthermore, what has disturbed me most about the debate on Rev. Tengatenga is the sheer lack of trust and unwillingness to engage. Making broad assumptions about the bishop's attitudes before he speaks, questioning his sincerity when he does, and refusing to listen to him further all before he even comes to Dartmouth are utterly unhelpful in pursuing greater social justice.

**Stephen Kirkpatrick '13

Co-leader, 2013 Faith in Action Alternative Spring BreakKirkpatrick is a former member of The Dartmouth senior staff.*