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Parade prohibition puzzles preacher
Rocky Mountain News ^ | 12/1/2004 | Jean Torkelson

Posted on 12/01/2004 3:43:57 PM PST by FredZarguna

If groups celebrating American Indian holy people, German culture and the Chinese New Year can march in the city's Parade of Lights, why can't a Christian group march to celebrate Christmas?

That's just one of the questions bothering prominent Denver-area Pastor George Morrison.

He said he was barred from participating in the parade because his multicultural church group wanted its Christian-themed float to feature traditional yuletide hymns and a "Merry Christmas" message.

"It's a little confusing to me," said Morrison, pastor of Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, one of the region's largest evangelical churches, with more than 4,000 worshippers.

"Here we have this holiday, Christmas, approaching, and Parade of Lights is suddenly changed into something where you can't even sing a Christmas song?"

But the parade does not allow "direct religious themes," said spokesman Michael Krikorian. That includes "Merry Christmas" signs and the singing or playing of traditional Christmas hymns. He added that the rules were spelled out when Morrison's intermediary called last spring to inquire about contributing a float.

"We want to avoid that specific religious message out of respect for other religions in the region," Krikorian said. "It could be construed as disrespectful to other people who enjoy a parade each year."

The one-hour parade, which is celebrating its 30th year this Friday and Saturday nights in downtown Denver, features elaborate floats with holiday symbols such as Santa Claus and gingerbread houses, plus an "international procession" of cultural groups.

(Excerpt) Read more at rockymountainnews.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: aclj; aclu; adf; christmas; chritmas; idiots; multiculturalism; newage; pc; religion; santa; thomasmore; tmlc
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No comment. The usual idiocy.
1 posted on 12/01/2004 3:43:59 PM PST by FredZarguna
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To: FredZarguna

Tolerance does not apply to Christians.


2 posted on 12/01/2004 3:47:17 PM PST by imskylark
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To: FredZarguna

Would they ban a gay parade because it offended Christians? No way. The usual liberal, hypocritical, anti-Christian BS.


3 posted on 12/01/2004 3:47:21 PM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: FredZarguna
We want to avoid that specific religious message out of respect for other religions in the region," Krikorian said. "It could be construed as disrespectful to other people who enjoy a parade each year."
_______________________________________________________________

But, officially it is OK to disrespect Christians.
4 posted on 12/01/2004 3:47:41 PM PST by crazyhorse691 (We won. We don't need to be forgiving. Let the heads roll!!!!!!!!!)
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To: FredZarguna

Someone should send this to O'Reilly and Hannity.


5 posted on 12/01/2004 3:48:27 PM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: FredZarguna
"We want to avoid that specific religious message out of respect for other religions in the region," Krikorian said. "It could be construed as disrespectful to other people who enjoy a parade each year."

This is all gonna end badly, I tell you.

6 posted on 12/01/2004 3:48:36 PM PST by Glenn (The two keys to character: 1) Learn how to keep a secret. 2) ...)
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To: FredZarguna

I am thankful we live in a town that has a Christmas Parade!


7 posted on 12/01/2004 3:49:22 PM PST by Trainfish
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To: FredZarguna

When the Chinese pray in Mandarin and the Muslims sing their hymns in Arabic, these anti-Christian bigots won't understand what they're hearing, and think they're at EPCOT Center! But let Anglophonic Christians try this in English, and the useful idiot thought police are out to turn them in. And so the multicultural welfare state continues to run cover for bigotry and persecussion against European Americans, esp. if they're unlucky enough to be Christians and into free speech.


8 posted on 12/01/2004 3:50:55 PM PST by eagle11 (Passivity and Appeasement is No Way to Run a Civilization!)
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To: FredZarguna; Americanwolf
"We want to avoid that specific religious message out of respect for other religions in the region," Krikorian said. "It could be construed as disrespectful to other people who enjoy a parade each year."

And civic leaders wonder why no one shows up for these events anymore? Next they'll be telling us we can't carry a flag in the 4th of July parade so that we don't offend or illegal "guest workers". Krikorian and whoever he works for are idiots. Good luck to anyone who has to live with this dork!

9 posted on 12/01/2004 3:53:48 PM PST by Americanwolfsbrother (Democratic Underground: Home of the Mental Midget Society)
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To: imskylark
You don't even have to get into the intolerance of Christians to appreciate how completely stupid this is. Here you have a season which revolves around a particular holiday, and the reasons for celebrating that day can't even be acknowledged, in fact, we need to go out of our way to ignore them because they might be considered "offensive." Now, since we're supposed to respect "diversity," how can the recognition of somebody else's customs ever be "offensive?" That recognition is supposed to be the greatest good to these idiots.

Unless, of course, you aren't really interested in diversity at all, but rather, in destroying the cultural identity of your enemy.

10 posted on 12/01/2004 3:53:58 PM PST by FredZarguna (Free markets. Free Speech. Free Minds. But no Free Lunch.)
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To: Trainfish

Yeah us too, it may be long and boring but it is our CHRISTMAS Parade not some stoopid festival of (wtf) lights...?


11 posted on 12/01/2004 3:56:32 PM PST by SouthernFreebird
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To: Americanwolfsbrother
Next they'll be telling us we can't carry a flag in the 4th of July parade so that we don't offend or illegal "guest workers".

That's already happened, right after 9/11 of all times. For example.

12 posted on 12/01/2004 3:58:22 PM PST by FredZarguna (Free markets. Free Speech. Free Minds. But no Free Lunch.)
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To: FredZarguna

This is almost beyond parody. Do liberals have a clue how utterly transparent their bigotry is?


13 posted on 12/01/2004 3:59:08 PM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: Steve_Seattle
It is beyond parody. You cannot make this stuff up.
14 posted on 12/01/2004 4:00:36 PM PST by FredZarguna (Free markets. Free Speech. Free Minds. But no Free Lunch.)
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To: FredZarguna
This year, the "international procession" includes the Two Spirit Society, which honors gay and lesbian American Indians as holy people; a German folk dance group; and performers of the Lion Dance, a Chinese New Year tradition "meant to chase away evil spirits and welcome good luck and good fortune for the year."

Jesus Christ....the reason for the season. Also remember to say "Merry Christmas" when you meet or greet people.

15 posted on 12/01/2004 4:01:22 PM PST by afnamvet (Tuy Hoa AB RVN 68-69 Jet Noise...The Sound of Freedom!)
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To: FredZarguna

I never go to community tree lightings, or Girl Scout carollings any more, or school holiday concerts. I cannot begin to say how loathesome "Here comes Santa Claus" is.

One year when I feel energetic I might try to reserve the town park for Christmas Christian Christmas carolling. See how many people come.


16 posted on 12/01/2004 4:06:08 PM PST by heartwood
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To: FredZarguna
Quote: Instead of being in the parade, Morrison's group now plans to walk the route an hour before, singing hymns and offering hot chocolate.

God Bless them... the organizers are lucky not to be facing a lawsuit - which is really what needs to happen to preserve Christian rights!

17 posted on 12/01/2004 4:07:30 PM PST by VRWCTexan (History has a long memory - but still repeats itself)
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To: afnamvet
Jesus is the reason for the season!


"Happy Birthday, Jesus" by Donald Arey, Sr.

I had a birthday party, most everybody came.

They danced and ate and had a ball, But no one spoke My name.

They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.

People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.

The stores were filled with shoppers, The restaurants crowded out,

But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.

They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.

Then someone mentioned "Jesus", And they hung their heads in shame.

You see, it was My birthday. They didn't even know.

That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.

I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--

Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.

I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross

To save a world of sinners from a life of awful loss.

When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,

Remember Me, your Savior, whose birth has set you free.

-- Jesus

PS: I am coming again soon.


18 posted on 12/01/2004 4:07:32 PM PST by EdReform (Free Republic - helping to keep our country a free republic. Thank you for your financial support!)
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To: FredZarguna; Americanwolfsbrother

Yep...They did it to the fire department up in Berkley right after 9.11 too... It is a shame that people will let the leftist goon squads sue them into submission... The left found the one weapon the can use effectivly the courts. That tips the scales unfairly, because what power do I the common man have against a Group like the ACLU that has "unlimited resources"... All the more reasons for Tort reform and and overhaul of the Judical system.


19 posted on 12/01/2004 4:07:34 PM PST by Americanwolf (www.geocities.com/arizonapatriots/ArizonaPatriots.html.. Serving those who serve us.)
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To: FredZarguna
Don't worry the ACLU will come to their defense!
20 posted on 12/01/2004 4:12:42 PM PST by rodguy911 ( President Reagan---all the rest.)
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