DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am the president of a social club that organizes activities for the LGBTQ community and allies. Our club is part of a regional association of similar social clubs that are not geared towards the LGBTQ community. Several times a year, the regional association has a social event for all of the regional clubs. Generally, members of our club are warmly welcomed and enjoy participating in these events.

At the last regional event, a prominent member of a different club informed me that, although he “loved” the individual members of our club, he would not be attending any of our club functions because the Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin, and his attendance would be tantamount to condoning sinful behavior.

I’m not sure why he felt compelled to share that view with me. I certainly didn’t solicit it. At the end of the conversation, he asked if he could give me a hug goodbye to show that there were no hard feelings. Flabbergasted, and not wanting to cause a scene, I did hug him.

The next day, I received an email from him stating that he hoped he hadn’t offended me and he looked forward to seeing me at the next regional event. That event is scheduled for a few weeks from now. I have no interest in engaging with this person.

Do you have advice on how to courteously avoid having to interact with him, especially if he approaches me for a conversation?

GENTLE READER: Since this man has already forgiven himself for the unpleasant interaction and any offense it caused, Miss Manners sees no need for you to indulge his prejudices for even a minute longer.

She suggests that you develop a keen interest in every other person at the event — or even the refreshments, if necessary — whenever you see him approach. But be prepared to step back from any approaching hugs.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.