Disney World Cancels Christian Services, Flap Ensues

CNSNews.com ^ | December 18, 2002 | Michael L. Betsch

[EdReform]

"As for Gay Day, while I hate the concept, it probably doesn't require any special facilities..."

Just lots of restrooms

[Aquinasfan]

Brinati said the Orlando diocese specifically built Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine near Disney World to minister to Disney's Catholic tourists.

Been there. Done that. It's a beautiful church and well-attended too.

[tang-soo]

According to spokesperson Carol Brinati, the idea to move church services off Disney premises was well received by Catholic officials.

Am I the first to have the thought of "elimination of competition" as being the real reason? Would services conducted in Mickey's realm conduct a collection sevice? As a rule of thumb, when I read something that initially doesn't make sense, money usually lies at the bottom of the pile.

[Notwithstanding]

I have always appreciated the idea that Disney accomodated believers by offering space for Mass.

BUT I always had reservations:

1. Was the space offered to keep people on Disney premises and thus make more $$$$ ?

2. Was it inevitable that such Masses would always be superficial and attendess would really be wishing the Mass would go quickly so they could go get in line for Space Mountain?

3. Would Disney really let any pastor with traditional Chrisitan moral values preach without reserve?

Disney is not evil, just as the internet is not evil. But the fact that so many people treat the Magic Kingdom as more interesting and more worthwhile that God's Kingdom has always made me nervous. And I say this as one who has stayed at the park and felt conflicted while there about these issues.

[TXBubba]

Little Bunny Foo-Foo, Hoppin' through the forest, Pickin' up the field mice And kissin' them on the head.

I just threw out a Disney book titled "Mickey's Christmas Carol". It was SUPPOSED to be a children's verson of the Dicken's classic. When poor Bob Crachet was sent home to do Scrooge's laundry I almost puked. There must be some way to abbreviate the story without making up a new one!

[TXBubba]

That reminds me...sorry to change subjects for a moment...I picked up a children's book in the bookstore that was supposed to tell the Christmas story. It started off with "There was a man named Joseph who lived with his wife named Mary in a house. They had no kids." Can't tell you how it went from there as I put it down pretty darn fast.

[Ol' Sparky]

No, no possible way to accomodate Christians. But, gay day will go on as planned.

[Clint N. Suhks]

As for Gay Day, blah, blah, blah, the comparison with providing space for religious services doesn't hold.

Do you think that possibly accommodating perversion and shunning reverence might be an ISSUE that “holds?” Do you think kicking out something objectively good and allowing something objectively wrong in a family oriented theme park might merit some “comparison?” Slouching towards Gomorrah comes to mind.

[bigj00]

Very simple solution....DON"T STAY ON DISNEY PROPERTY, Stay off site in orlando and go to church there.
OR even BETTER, DON"T go to disneyland on sundays.
Imagine if every christian family stayed away on sunday, they would probably lose money.

[F16Fighter]

"Now, if someone can provide evidence that the "not enough space" reason is a sham, and that this was done to appease gay or anti-Christian groups, then I would be concerned."

No, you're right...

Disney isn't anti-Christian; Bill Clinton wasn't a lying thug; And the Iraqi haven't weapons of destruction.

Absolutely NO dots to connect anywhere...

[Clint N. Suhks]

This is obviously aimed at the huge market segment of gay children. They are just trying to make them feel accepted. What do you have against the children?

Hehehe…Let me try.

This is obviously aimed at the huge market segment of gay children political correctness. They are just trying to make them feel accepted perversion normal. What do you have against the children mentally ill?

[Aquinasfan]

Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orlando.

[pgyanke]

Disney has done well as a stock over time, sure. Grandma and Grandpa continue to come in to buy it for their grandchildren as presents. Things they are a changing, though. As you can see on this thread, public opinion in current generations isn't as glowing as in the previous. Disney's revenues from park attendance are dropping and they being kept afloat through their media entertainment holdings. The change of the guard has SEVERELY hurt this once-great company and recent decisions continue to alienate an important demographic for them... conservative families.

If these choices are business decisions, the current managers are idiots. If the choices are meant to be nefarious, they are doing a good job. Since they seem to think they are doing a great job, I'll conclude their motives are nefarious.

[HIDEK6]

What's next? Holding mass at Six Flags? Baptismals at Coney Island? Wedding ceremonies at Universal Studios?

You know, going to Vegas to get married is looking normal, now.

[I still care]

I belong to a Christian homeschool group, of varying denominations. Most of the members I know wouldn't consider being caught dead at Disney. They buy the family passes at Busch Gardens (yes, I live in Florida) or go to Holy Land.

Among evangelical Christians, Disney is tied with Gay Day, New Age Thought, and political correctness. Also, the fact that Disney takes you for every dime you have just seems sort of anti-family. Even their yearly Florida pass is over $300 a person, while the Busch Garden "fun pass" ran about $50 a person last year. Large families with the Mom at home can't afford Disney.

In a way, I think the gay thing is a marketing decision. Male gay couples have a lot more money to spend than Mom and Dad with 4 kids. And if that is so, look for Disney to become less and less family friendly and more and more an adult playground. Witness "Treasure Island". During gay week it is a sewer. And if you come to Florida, everyone will warn you against going to Disney in June or May.

[Coto]

No Doubt !! !!

"...Walt Disney World in Florida has eliminated its 28-year tradition of offering on-site religious services to Christian guests..."

There is the off chance that one of the Sodomites might hear one of those Christian Services....and get his feelings hurt....

[VOA]

bump