Hyde Park Baptist decides against allowing interfaith service http://www.keyetv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=3f0df9b9-2984-4306-9a4a-0c49e6a000fa Austin's Interfaith Ministry had to scramble to find a new venue for its annual Thanksgiving celebration, after a local church banned them from its facility. This Sunday Austin-Area Interreligious Ministries was to have held its 23rd annual Thanksgiving service. This year they booked it at The Quarries -- which is owned by Hyde Park Baptist Church. Hyde Park pulled the plug when it realized it was a "non-Christian event." Representatives from Austin-Area Interreligious Ministries gathered Friday outside Congregation Beth Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Austin. After Hyde Park Baptist said it could not allow the event at its northwest Austin property, leaders at Congregation Beth Israel said they would host the event. This year, the Muslim community is co-sponsoring the Thanksgiving feast, and it will include a short Muslim prayer. Hyde Park Baptist says it did not know when it agreed to have the event, that it was co-hosted by the Muslim community. Rabbi Steven Folberg says he was happy to open his Temple's doors. "I am very pleased and honored we have the opportunity to do this," Folberg said. "Sometimes you have to work very, very hard to do some good, and sometimes the chance just presents itself to you or falls in your lap. If we want the kind of world we say we want, we really need to be open and welcoming in our hearts and our minds. And that's what I think this service, at its best, is all about." For its part, Hyde Park Baptist said, "The event was cancelled when Hyde Park Baptist Church became aware... that the event was not a Christian-oriented event. Although individuals from all faiths are welcome to worship with us at Hyde Park Baptist Church, the church cannot provide space for the practice of these non-Christian religions on church property." The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will take place Sun. Nov. 18 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.
On a more serious note, I have no problem with what the church did; it's well within their rights to refuse to host certain people on their property. I can understand that, even if I don't agree with it. I am involved in some 'interfaith' organizations on college campuses and the like, and they have all been great and very fulfilling on a personal and a spiritual level. And contrary to what some might think, we actually do not go out of our way to avoid arguments in deference to 'unity', if anything, it has brought the different sides even closer together and made all sides that much more eager to participate in such events, because they actually learn something along with the whole 'building bridges' aspect to these events. At the core of it, interfaith projects are meant to harness and encourage respectful debates by establishing these 'forums' for educated discussions. The way I see it, it's their loss...
That this action is at odds with both the spirit of Thanksgiving & of Christ's teachings is lost on you? Really? Yes it's private property, yes they can do what they want, I don't see anyone saying otherwise. "Can" and "should" are not the same.
Christ said the only way to Heaven is through me. I don't think that interfaith worship is something he's support. But he would totally support a discussion and debate between different faiths. If this is what actually happens in an interfaith fellowship, and not the practice of it, then maybe it's debatable IMO.
Interfaith has never claimed to be Christian, merely tolerant of it. In fact it is quite the opposite... more like Unitarian Universalist... just because it says "faith" or "church" does not mean it is Christian. Sort of a melting pot of this reasoning, "so long as you believe there is a god somewhere, or a power, or higher being somewhere, and you trust or have "faith" in it/him/them... you can be a part of Interfaith as we basically become humanists and serve to help our fellow man." It is not that obvious to some, but have sat in on several Interfaith meetings... have even participated in community projects, even sat on the planning committees and helped bring in speakers for one... and our church in fact, encouraged the effort to be held at a high school, or a city gymnasium... because is was not simply a "Christian only" event. Did not say it was bad, just did not feel perfectly comfortable putting the full condoning stamp on every activity... and encouraged it not be even portrayed as a "Christian event" rather a community one, sponsored by Interfaith. Interfaith makes Christianity an "also-ran" - not the focus, something that Baptist churches do. The Baptist's I know center everything on Christ, not on polytheism. Again, if it were a public place I could see an outcry. Jesus made it clear in John 14:6. Nothing is "lost" on me. Feel free to go wherever you want with this, but the message of Christ has never been exceptionally tolerant or politically correct. Jesus said the message was like a two edged sword, bringing division, like separating bone from sinew. So hey... I didn't write it, but I see no problem in distancing yourself -if you believe Jesus is the only way to God - from other official stances of basic one god, many path-isms. Carry on. I hope you understand that while it is fine for the Interfaith folks to believe and practice (with some "Christians" I might add), it is a double standard of the utmost degree to be upset when Baptists, in this case, try and make a stand on what they believe. Can't have it both ways if you believe in only one way. Right? The real rub here is that with this holiday - it was specifically started and upheld as a tradition by Christians. That is most of the reason, I'm sure, that the Baptist church was hosting it, out of the origins and meanings to Christians for Thanksgiving... only to find out that the main group, Interfaith, is open to dumbing down the message of Christianity, and is very open to all religions. Again, not bad... and needed, but on a Christian holiday? Ummm...
Nobody's asking the Baptists to burn their Bibles and bury their crosses. This group simply asked, and got permission to use their facilities for a gathering of various religious groups. Do you even know what "interfaith" means?
Did you read my post? I've been on Interfaith committees in South Texas. Yes. It is basically ecumenical in nature, plus open to other non-Christian beliefs.
What....no shrimp allowed ! Participating congregations: We ask that you bring food dishes that can be shared by all. Please, no pork or shellfish. Dishes containing other meat, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and fish are all welcome. http://www.aaimaustin.org/thanksgiving.html
Why is Thanksgiving a Christian holiday? I also liked that earlier you wrote: "The Baptist's I know center everything on Christ, not on polytheism." Just thought that was funny phrasing (only the Baptists you know?) and funny obvious and funny not exclusive to Baptists but pretty much all Christians. Uh...yeah.
Believe what you want. Twist my meaning. Pilgrims were Christians. Baptists are the ones "under fire" here. Have fun.
Are we talking about a combined religion or a friendly get together? If it is just a matter of getting together to have a meal and a discussion that could be construed as converting to polytheism. Considering the first Thanksgiving there were also some pagan Native Americans there I don't see how this is exclusively a Christian holiday. In fact without the goodwill of those pagans the Christians at the first Thanksgiving wouldn't have survived to celebrate.
I think this just speaks to the stupidity of that particular church - nothing more. They were stupid to say yes in the first place to an event if their usage rules are so strict and they had no idea what the organization was. Then they compounded their stupidity by making a stupid PR move in cancelling the reservation so close to the date, for something that was their own fault.
First, let me reiterate that I see absolutely nothing wrong with what the church did, and I do affirm their right to act as they did; may be the only thing one can fault them for is not being more 'courteous' in giving the interfaith group a bit more time to find an alternative venue for their gathering. As for the following... You REALLY need to re-learn your American history...
