What I got from that, was sort of “Some of my best friends are......”
Seemed like trying to keep the peace, but with not much of a commitment either way.
At this point is is rather like two approaching locomotives headed toward each other on the same track, with no switch to a side track available.
Ephesians 6:12 was the scripture if that makes it any clearer.
The "Fear Not" was that we should be ready to stand for what we believe and should not cower before public opinion.