Church removes crosses and covers up windows to accommodate Islamic school [Charlotte, NC]

The Layman Online ^ | May 26, 2004 | The Layman

[353FMG]

"In my eyes they don't belong in a Church."

They don't belong in the West.

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

Dhimmitude comes to Charlotte.

This pastor is a false shepherd, an apostate, and a traditor.

[pandoraou812]

I could live with that too.

[billbears]

It's hardly even a symptom of the problem. Would be interesting to see if attendance has increased in surrounding churches or if this was part of a church split. I see it's located down near Memorial Stadium off John Belk. That's not too bad a part of town is it? Always seemed a little run down though.

[pompelmous]

The fact that the church is leasing space is not the note worthy point. The real issue is the hijacking of mainstream religion by pseudo-clergy who really do not believe in church doctrine and immerse their lives and their congregations in ill conceived political causes.

On the Presbyterian front, from the ministers leading union strikes in California, to William Sloane Coffin's opposition to American foreign policy in the sixties, to the Reverend Fry's storing Blackstone Ranger's guns in the Presbyterian Church safe, to the existing Presbyterian policy of boycotting investment is Israeli companies, the church has not only ignored the spiritual needs of its flock but has alienated much of their lay leadership on driven them to alternative churches. This church has lost enough members that it cannot sustain itself as a viable congregation. Unlike Europe it is not because of demographic reasons, rather it is because the Presbyterian clergy has lost their sense of direction and mission.

[Tax-chick]

It's near Central Piedmont Community College main campus, and in a mostly non-residential neighborhood these days. I expect their congregants moved to the 'burbs.

[Tax-chick]

I would rather sell the Church or donate it to the town for something other then an Islamic school.

I doubt the city wants it, although the lot might be worth something for redevelopment. Their board decided to rent it. Maybe they'll change their minds when the lease is up, and do something else.

[YellowRoseofTx]

There is soooo much wrong with this I don't know where to start

[dforest]

Don't show the Cross to Islamonuts and vampires.

[Niteranger68]

Charlotte is on its way to being the San Fagsisco of the East. If you live there, get the hell out and flip-off Parks Helms and Pat McCrory as you are leaving.

[Vigilanteman]

But toleration turned out to be a one-way street.

Turned out to be??????????? When was it ever a two-way street insofar as Islam was concerned?

[wtc911]

They should invite Koreans down. Numerous Presbyterian Congregations in NYC area are now mostly Korean; and they are flourishing.

[metmom]

ping

[fredhead]

Here's one of the problems they are probably encountering. The demographics of the neighborhood where the church is located has probably changed. In the past, the church could sell the property (which the congregation purchased and built upon some time in the past) and move to an area where it could gather a congregation. The church to which I belong did this in 1955.

However, the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., after the merger of the northern and southern churches in 1983, now states that ALL church property belongs to the PC USA. If the congregation decides to relocate, the property reverts to the PC USA and the congregation gets NOTHING!!!!

Makes me think twice about contributing to the building fund at my Presbyterian church.

[The Great RJ]

I bet they would also lease space to satanic groups to perform human sacrifices all in the name of tolerance and diversity. Apparently they are a bit ignorant about Islam's true goals which include converting all Christians to Islam by the sword.

[HereInTheHeartland]

The water is getting warmer. But the frog is still comfortable.

[Right Wing Assault]

Screw this. Make a contract with them that states no changes will be made to the church and nothing will be covered. If they don't like it, they can go rent a warehouse somewhere. Of have the Saudis build them a $50 million mosque.

[YankeeGirl]

A local Catholic school makes its facilities (parking and inside rooms) available to a neighboring orthodox Jewish synagogue on the high holy days for the overflow of congregants. I believe they use the cafeteria space and its not just for childcare, but for some religious services.

On those days when you drive by, you see the statues (Virgin Mary, Celtic cross) on the outside covered. I'm sure the crosses inside are too.

I kind of look at is as a thoughtful gesture done out of mutual respect.

The synagague, and the catholic school and a tiny Episcopalian church make their parking available to the Greek Orthodox church up the street for its festival.

I would hope a mosque in the area would do the same.

[Nancee]

Hi "YankeeGirl"!!

What you are describing makes perfect sense to me; very differnt than what is going on in this instance. I agree with you. We need to be respectful of others and extend both love and toleration to all. But this other stuff is just another reflection of the demoralization of our country!

Have a great day!

Nancee

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

"McDonald told readers that the Arabic name of the God of Islam is Allah, and that Allah is 'basically the same God of Judaism and the God and Father of Christianity.'"

That was his first mistake.