Posted on 09/28/2009 7:46:33 PM PDT by Saije
A Beaconsfield, Que., church has gone to the dogs. Really.
Christ Church Beaurepaire in the community on the Island of Montreal is about to begin offering a monthly church service that will include dogs. Called Paws and Pray, the communion service will feature bread and wine, as well as doggie treats and bowls of water for the four-legged 'parishioners.'
The church's minister, Michael Johnson, said he has always enjoyed doing a pet blessing once a year, so he was open to the suggestion made by an animal-rights activist to include dogs in a church service.
"It's to recognize the value of dogs," said Johnson, who will not be offended if there is barking during his sermon.
The first Paws and Pray will be held on Oct. 4. The pilot project will continue once a month for four months, to see if there is real interest in bringing dogs to church.
"The members seem happy about it," said Johnson, who added the service is not an attempt to entice more people into going to church, but to perhaps reach a group of people who would otherwise not have come.
"We just want to respond to peoples' needs," said Johnson. "I hope the dogs will feel honoured and welcomed."
Johanne Tasse, who suggested the idea to Johnson, said she believes the idea can have a profound impact.
"Animals deserve our care and respect," said Tasse, who is president of the Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec. "If we can bring dogs to church, how can we turn around and abuse them?"
(Excerpt) Read more at vancouversun.com ...
I think you might be overreacting. This is a special service that is not being forced on anyone.
Lots of people love their pets (which have better morals than most humans IMHO) -- why not let them participate in service? A little blessing doesn't hurt the animals and the fact the doggies don't understand is no worse than bringing a toddler who doesn't understand to church.
My question is: what about us cat lovers?
It’s Nutty.. They say it will keep people from abusing their dogs? Like people who abuse their dogs would bring them to church in the first place?
“I think you might be overreacting. This is a special service that is not being forced on anyone.”
It’s happening once a month for 4 months as a pilot program. If no one complains presumably it will be continued. But it’s tough for people to complain when others in the church are for it. Creates bad feelings. Easier just to find another place to go to church. Or stay home 1 Sunday a month.
So yes, nobody has to go to church. Just the dogs. Who would probably rather be home sacked out on the couch while the owner is away.
Blasphemy - plain & simple - might as well baptize them too, that way they’ll get into heaven, just like the Disney movie.
Bless their hearts.
It’s for dyslexic Unitarians.
“If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went.”
Will Rogers, 1897-1935
My beloved kitty who was with me for 25 -- yes 25 -- years passed a year and a half ago and the pain of her loss is as sharp as the day she left.
Her older sister passed 7 years ago at the age of 18 and I still grieve.
If they aren't in Heaven (assuming I am allowed in) when I am called home, I don't want to go.
No it isn't. If you read the article, you saw that this is meant to provide services for the people who keep their pets close.
God loves His creatures great and small and I am sure smiles on seeing them in His House.
I suspect an important point in looking at this issue is how this particular church views holy communion.
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