Second Open Letter to Joel Osteen Concerning His Statement on Homosexuality

This is my second letter to Joel Osteen. The first has gone without reply in any form from his team.

Due to Pastor Joel Osteen's recent shift in message on the gay issue, stating conclusively that he believes "homosexuality is a sin," I felt compelled to communicate with him and urge him to clarify his position.

We have shared this second letter with Pastor Osteen's team and await their reply.

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February 15, 2011



Dear Pastor Osteen,

Thank you for the opportunity to communicate with you once again concerning your recent statement and swing in position on the Piers Morgan Show Tonight: “Homosexuality is a sin.”

It has been a week since my initial open letter was provided to your team. Regrettably, we have received no communication from you or your team, in any form.

Whereas a lack of conversation may seem initially favorable in this context, holding to a message that alienates people based upon their unchangeable sexual orientation (again, even after reparative therapy) will for many, serve only as a proclamation of targeted discrimination. As such, your message and conversation thus far continue to further position you away from the message of welcoming-love and unconditional grace to which our faith and your message have held so strongly.

Again, I urge you to contact me so that we might discuss a fresh perspective of definitions, message, and our conservative faith where this volatile issue and these often-alienated persons are concerned.

Time is of the essence. This window of opportunity is a chance provided you sovereignly. It is a chance to distinguish yourself as a conservative faith leader who is open to conversation, within a conservative and biblical context, concerning persons of faith in your congregation whose sexual orientation is unchangeable. Rather than viewing this as an attack from the liberal media, I encourage you to view this as an opportunity to provide uniqueness to your message and ministry.

I look forward to your response to my Over Coffee Conversations invitation. Please know that I am available for your call should you desire to become more familiar with my message, position, and intent.

Your Brother in Faith,



D.a. Thompson