From Fr Jonathan Grieser, rector of, Grace Church, located on the square in Madison, Wisconsin, the site of the demonstrations for worker's rights:
The response to us opening our doors has been overwhelming. As a gesture it seems to have struck a chord in the community, and to some degree, more widely. There are concerns about security but welcoming people in, giving them space to warm up, reflect, and pray, is being hospitable.
....
Some might say to open our doors in such a way is to take a political stand on one side or another. To me, it’s being church. Because of our location, anything we do or don’t do, could be interpreted as taking a stand. Keeping the place buttoned up while 30,000 people are protesting outside our doors, sends a powerful message about who and what Grace Church is....
Read the rest at the blog, especially his commentary on the Evening Prayer service.
You may also want to read Fr Jonathan's sermon from this past Sunday.
Good stuff! Thanks, for sharing this, Mimi. It is sad when people equate hospitality with taking sides in political situations. Open doors mean open doors and not just on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHe popped over to my blog to say hello. I'm honored.
ReplyDeletePenny, thanks. Fr Jonathan's open door policy reminds me of St Paul's Chapel as a place of refuge after Sept. 11.
ReplyDeleteCounterlight, you should be honored. BTW, you've done a great job of blogging the demonstrations.