I am a retired minister in the United Church of Christ, a denomination that places great value on “freedom of conscience.” I am a Democrat. I try to vote my conscience. My vote this past election was a protest vote against Sen. Susan Collins.

But deep down I have never given up on her. When she voted to convict Donald Trump this past week, I wept, out of relief but also out of awareness that she would be attacked by entrenched Trump supporters who still believe and spread the big “lie.”

Sen. Collins understands that truth telling is the essential first step in strengthening our democracy and healing our country. If you have any doubt, please read her magnificent op-ed, co-written with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and published in USA Today on Jan. 15. Sen. Collins has regained my deepest respect and support.

Rev. Jeanette A. Good
Falmouth