Editor’s note: The writer is responding to a column by the Rev. Chris Shelton that was in the June 11 Post.

Chris Shelton is a minister. I too held that title. But nothing bothers me more than the churches’ priestly leadership failing to move from being the pastor to being the prophet.

When will the religious community rise above the orthodoxy (correct belief) and become the orthopraxist (correct action)? I may be in left field, but church leadership in this community has fallen short of prophecy when it comes to standing with and for our brothers and sisters of color.

When will the religious community realize that liturgy and prayer just don’t go far enough? Why aren’t our priestly leaders prophetically walking the talk? You cannot say you are for justice and dialogue just in the confines of the holy walls of your church.

This community deserves your leadership. Show us, and stop talking to us.

— Kim Porter

Salisbury