I'm in my mid 20s and I've been friends for 20 years with this person with whom I practically grew up. We were in the same middle school, played together almost every single day after school, same high school, etc. We're both in grad school now (different schools and fields of study) but frequently call each other, until about a couple months ago when I decided that I cannot be friends with him anymore. The primary reason is our polar opposite perception about a great number of topics, and my inability to stand his thoughts given their gravity. Following are top differences in our thoughts that I take issue with, the most.
He is pro-life. Whereas I believe a woman should get to decide if she would like to birth the baby.
He denies climate change and supports the idea of continuing to use fossil fuels. Whereas I'm very worried about what's going to happen because of climate change in my own life time.
He is extremely political. I can bear mild doses of it. But he is way too enthusiastic about it.
He thinks homosexuality is not real. He thinks it's a conspiracy. (More on conspiracies below) I'm extremely sensitive to the LGBTQ+ community and friends with several of them.
He thinks we never went to the moon and that 9/11 was an inside job. He spends an unhealthy amount of time finding evidences that support his theories and is highly dogmatic about it.
There's a lot more I could list. A couple months ago I got fed up of all of this and decided it was time to let him go. It was heartbreaking because I spent my childhood with this guy and have so many fond memories but at the same time I don't want to be friends with someone whose thoughts are literally what I think is wrong with the world. Note that I've talked to him several times that I don't agree with his thoughts on several occasions.
We haven't called each other in 2 months which is a bit longer than than a typical time period between our calls. But we both have very busy school schedules.
If I tell him we can't be friends because we have different views on abortion, he's going to think that I'm insane and that this is not a valid enough reason. I guess I'm seeking specific interpersonal skills in the context of a break up. The demeanour, the verbiage, the tone, etc.
My questions is: I have never had to break up with anybody in my life (romantic or otherwise). I don't know how to talk to him. I'm seeking specific ways to let my friend know that I cannot be friends with him while being sensitive to the fact that he definitely isn't going to see this coming.
I don't wish to let the friendship fade away, however, I have reluctantly made up my mind to end the friendship. It's not his expression of views that is an issue, but the possession of these thoughts in the first place. I want him to know why I'm doing this. It's not common for a person to tell a friend that they don't wish to continue being friends anymore. But I want him to know why I'm doing this.
PS: I've listed several controversial topics. Please refrain from commenting on the validity of either mine or his thoughts on these matters of sensitive frame.