However, I had really mixed feelings about it. Back when I was a GLBT political activist, I used to say that what we needed was to try and find some common ground with our enemies so that maybe, one day, they would no longer be enemies. So in that sense, I applaud what James and Soulforce were attempting to do.

I also realise that there can be good work done by churches at the local level, even when the leaders do harm, as with the Roman Catholic Church, for example.

Nevertheless, I cannot be so forgiving of Dobson and the hate he spews at every opportunity. I don’t think it’s mere ignorance, but part of a calculated political agenda. I don’t think he has it in him to change, no matter how many yellow roses he receives, and I can neither forget nor forgive the evil he has done.

I also don’t trust FOTF as an organisation, and have a tough time believing they’d do anything for GLBT people unless there’s something in it for them, even if it’s just propaganda. Also, that organisation’s name has been used to promote all manner of anti-gay actions over the years, and I’m not convinced that they don’t have hatred of GLBT people at their very core. Is any good work they do in other areas enough to redeem their homophobia? Not for me.

So, I remain as sceptical and suspicious of FOTF as ever, but I applaud people like Soulforce trying to build a dialogue, even though I personally feel it’s doomed. I would love to be proven wrong, and if I am I’ll gladly say so as loudly as I now condemn FOTF and Dobson.

Having said all that, it’s people like Soulforce and James who probably have the only chance to open that dialogue. I truly wish them well in their efforts.