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James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
"I am not the editor of a newspaper and shall always try to do right and be good so that God will not make me one."
This amusing comment by American writer Mark Twain was shared with me recently by a colleague. Among the burdens of an editor Twain was glad not to bear, perhaps he had in mind dealing with Letters to the Editor. I’m confident God did make me an editor, even though letters from our readers are a challenge for me.
I’m asked often why we run Letters to the Editor in the Witness. Family members are especially curious why I would choose to use letters that are critical of my views and the Witness. Readers are also curious about how letters are chosen and what makes for a good one. I hope this column will be helpful to our readers who desire to share their point of view about issues of common concern to Florida Baptists.
I want our readers to know that I believe our Letters to the Editor section is a valuable and important part of our weekly newsjournal— even when readers are not in agreement with me! I read every letter we receive and look forward to a lively expression of views and concerns. The Florida Baptist Witness is not my newspaper. Nor is it the publication of the select few who govern our Board of Commissioners. The Witness belongs to all Florida Baptists. Although I have the responsibility and privilege of deciding what runs each week (see May 17 editorial for discussion of that process), I realize others, if it was their duty, may decide differently. Further, readers may wish to counter an editorial or agree with it, as well as agree or disagree with another letter. Letters to the Editor is a forum for our readers to express their opinions about what was or was not in the Witness.
What makes a good letter? Watch for the following:
- Letters must include the name, address and phone number of the writer. Unsigned or unidentified letters will not be published, except under extraordinary circumstances. A former pastor of mine made it a practice to throw away all anonymous correspondence. He believed that the opinions or concerns of someone who would not identify himself were not worth his time or attention. Further, we need to be able to verify that views attributed to someone are actually held by that person and not attributed to him or her without authorization.
- Clearly indicate correspondence intended for publication by addressing your letter or e-mail as "Letter to the Editor." Some readers merely want to share their views privately with the editor. I enjoy receiving those as well.
- "Snail mail" or e-mail? Either is fine with us, although e-mail does expedite the processing and use of your views. Make sure, however, that your address and phone number are included in your e-mail correspondence. Letters sent via postal service should be addressed: Letters to the Editor, Florida Baptist Witness, 1230 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.
- Stay under 250 words. Although this may be difficult for some, it is necessary in order to allow as many as possible to participate. After writing your letter, do a word count. If it's more than 250, reconsider the content, and cut. Keep in mind, as we say in each issue, the editor reserves the right to cut letters to conform to space limitations.
- Be accurate.
- Use proper grammar.
- Don’t attack other persons. It’s appropriate to challenge and critique the views of other persons. It’s wrong, however, to attack individuals on a personal level. Let’s debate issues in a civil manner.
- Although a wide range of views is expected, don’t expect to have a letter published that assaults biblical truth. Recently, a self-proclaimed homosexual sent a letter to complain about what he perceived to be anti-homosexual articles and to explain why the Bible doesn’t really condemn his sexual practice. I did not and will not run such a letter. This newsjournal is pre-committed on a whole range of issues. We have no obligation to give space to those who attack biblical truth.
I encourage you to be a part of the Letters to the Editor forum. If you want to express your views, be our guest. As the well-worn saying goes, "Keep those cards and letters coming!"