Jul 13, 2013 2 min read

This letter is in response to the Observer-Reporter’s July 4 editorial, “Watch out! There’s yoga in our schools!”

The editorial pertained to the Sedlock family, who live near San Diego and didn’t want their child participating in the school’s yoga routine, which was included in its health and wellness program. The Sedlocks who, according to the editorial, are conservative Christians, believe yoga is a Hindu practice and shouldn’t be implemented in their child’s California public school system and they have taken steps to suspend the program.

The reason for my comment has less to do with yoga and more to do with the Observer-Reporter’s opinion of the Sedlocks’ action. It was an attack on those who hold a conservative Christian belief system. Why does the Observer-Reporter find it necessary to paint the Sedlocks’ action with the brush of sarcasm and ridicule?

Lately, there has been a public outcry for tolerance of just about every lifestyle or practice you can think of. This cry for tolerance is reflected in our many media outlets, as well as in much of our government, except, that is, when it applies to Christian beliefs or symbols of faith, such as posting the Ten Commandments or nativity displays.

The editorial about the Sedlocks appeared in the paper on the Fourth of July. Christians, too, have a voice that needs to be heard. Freedom of speech also applies to us, and we should have an equal opportunity to share our beliefs without being mocked by the media.

Janet M. Bell

Hickory