[pke]

A lot of words + no substance + “let's negotiate” = COWARD (and there is no more despicable coward than a clergyman who supposedly has dedicated his life to speaking the truth.)

[SoothingDave]

Accordingly, as her pastor, I am writing to invite her into a conversation with me about these matters. It is my obligation to teach forthrightly and to shepherd caringly, and that is my intent.

What part of "obligation to teach forthrightly" do you read as an invitation to "negotiate"?