In a shocking article from leading homosexual advocate Shane Windmeyer, he confesses that he has become friends with Dan Cathy, whose company (Chick-Fil-A) has become the most villified target of gay rights groups everywhere. (If you haven’t read the article, please do so.)

These two influential leaders have attained new perspectives and a new friendship, while at the same time, holding true to their core values .

I’d like to think that everyone would be glad that civil dicourse could take place. I would be wrong. Read the comments below the article and you will be horrified (I hope). I have not found much criticism of Cathy, although I’m sure it’s out there somewhere. Windmeyer, however, is being called a traitor.

It just goes to show that peacemaking is not for the faint of heart. It’s difficult work. Often times, when people seek understand, their own friends accuse them of compromise. Few things depress me more.

I, for one, am unbelievably encouraged by what happened. I’m thankful that Cathy had the courage and concern to quietly forge a friendship with someone whom he admittedly did not understand. I’m glad that he followed the Biblical command to do whatever he could to make peace with others (Romans 12:18). And I’m also thankful that Windmeyer took the risks he did.

Well, what do you know? Peacemaking and civility are still alive and kicking.