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The issue of the cross atop Star Hill needs to be discussed with civility and respect. If asked what that cross stands for, I would hope most Holmen residents — at least the religious community — would somehow see it as a symbol of God’s love for the world, meaning all people, including Eric Barnes.

In the 12 years I have lived in Holmen, especially in my work with the elderly and the grieving, I have been privileged to hear the stories of many, many persons for whom the cross held such positive and central meaning. Many of them were persons who contributed greatly toward making Holmen the decent, respectful, welcoming community that we all benefit from today.

When Mr. Barnes says, “to me, it looks like a giant burning cross” — an obvious reference to the Ku Klux Klan — that is simply not the case. To say that is to project onto this community a kind of intolerance that is not our history here and hopefully not our present experience.

That the cross stands on public, village-owned property is — in retrospect — a mistake that could be corrected. As regards the ongoing expenses, I would agree with Barnes on one thing: it is maddening to be taxed for things one does not believe in.

In the interest of fairness, therefore, the electrical and maintenance expenses should probably be borne by those who support the continuance of that lighted cross or star. Christian congregations or interested individuals, I would think, might gladly and willingly pay the electrical bill on a rotating basis.

In issues of church/state separation, we could cite many examples of progress toward recognizing diversity and respecting our neighbor’s faith. Instead of avoiding all traditional Christian music at Christmas, for example, many school districts have retained some of that in their December concerts while also including music of other traditions.

As Holmen grows and different faith groups move in, that sort of diversity will continue to happen naturally. But for Mr. Barnes, or the group that Annie Gaylor represents, to impose their view and demand the removal of this time-honored symbol would seem to me to be a step in the wrong direction — and symbolic of something other than tolerance and respect.

Henderson is pastor at Holmen Lutheran Church.