From Ralph Ovadal Monroe To the editor: I would like to briefly respond to a report in The Monroe Times concerning the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) designation of Pilgrims Covenant Church as a "hate group." The SPLC was founded by Morris Dees, a lawyer specializing in litigation. The group has prospered by labeling as hate mongers conservative politicians and radio talk show hosts, as well as pro-family leaders and groups, also Christian pastors and their churches which faithfully hold to "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:26-27).