Topic: Maybe I was wrong?

[Gisasargavak]

Hi all.

So the church in addition to a regular choir has a secular choir consisting of those who dont necessarily attend church often. Well it was decided that we should sing in the sanctuary because thats where one of the concerts will take place. The people entered the church basically screaming and yelling, didnt make the sign of the cross, came in drinking their coffees etc. To add insult to injury we were situated in such a way that we were standing in front of the altar and some decided it was Ok to actually sit on the altar. After a few minutes I raised my hand and explained to the conductor that God is literally present here and thus it is not appropriate to sit on the altar. well after a few snide remarks he agreed but then after the practice told me not to say it in public because it might offend people and lead them to not come to the choir anymore.

 So my question is was I wrong in saying this?

[ialmisry]

Hi all.

So the church in addition to a regular choir has a secular choir consisting of those who dont necessarily attend church often. Well it was decided that we should sing in the sanctuary because thats where one of the concerts will take place. The people entered the church basically screaming and yelling, didnt make the sign of the cross, came in drinking their coffees etc. To add insult to injury we were situated in such a way that we were standing in front of the altar and some decided it was Ok to actually sit on the altar. After a few minutes I raised my hand and explained to the conductor that God is literally present here and thus it is not appropriate to sit on the altar. well after a few snide remarks he agreed but then after the practice told me not to say it in public because it might offend people and lead them to not come to the choir anymore.

 So my question is was I wrong in saying this?

Not only were you right, you were absolutely kind if it happened as you say. 

I would have been like this

[quietmorning]

You were not only right - but in addition to protecting what is holy and calling for reverence - you were actually protecting them.  (Thinks of those that dared touch the Ark when they weren't supposed to.)  Though I'm sure they didn't see it that way.  

Sounds like they need a briefing before they are allowed into the Sanctuary again to ensure respect.  At the very least - "no food and drink, hushed voices unless absolutely necessary, and be respectful, this is a place of worship,  (edit) and we are the guests of those who worship here. "

[LBK]

You were dead right, G. And the choirmaster's comment about offending people etc is simply contemptible. And I'm with Isa on this - I wouldn't have held back in turfing them out.

What was the priest's reaction when he found out what happened?

[Jason.Wike]

You were not wrong, and they have no right to be offended about you asking to give respect. Its not but popular relativism at work, 'its only holy in people's minds', so its not actually offensive for people to sit on it, in their minds.

Only Christians are expected to pretend they don't believe their religion is true...

[Hiwot]

Thank you Isa! you said what I wanted to say!

I am furious that they even allowed them to get close to the altar let alone lean then sit on it?!!! Isa is right you were extremely kind to them!!! if it were me, it would have been a different unpleasant scene,not to mention the sight of me yelling  of get the heck out!!!

Please make sure this dose not happen again. those who enter must enter with reverence, or not at all. do not worry about diplomacy on this case. this is not up for negotiation!

Edit : because I am pissed , @ that Choir master, tell him that it is not his mother's kitchen where he gets to play Mr nice guy. he better man up, This is the Altar of the Lord!

Lord have mercy !

[Ionnis]

No, not wrong at all.  Lord have mercy.

[biro]

I think you handled it well. I get very cross when people are rude. Here's hoping they don't make the same mistake twice.

[Riddikulus]

What were they doing in the Sanctury? 

[jnorm888]

Hi all.

So the church in addition to a regular choir has a secular choir consisting of those who dont necessarily attend church often. Well it was decided that we should sing in the sanctuary because thats where one of the concerts will take place. The people entered the church basically screaming and yelling, didnt make the sign of the cross, came in drinking their coffees etc. To add insult to injury we were situated in such a way that we were standing in front of the altar and some decided it was Ok to actually sit on the altar. After a few minutes I raised my hand and explained to the conductor that God is literally present here and thus it is not appropriate to sit on the altar. well after a few snide remarks he agreed but then after the practice told me not to say it in public because it might offend people and lead them to not come to the choir anymore.

 So my question is was I wrong in saying this?

You were in the right! If good people say and do nothing then evil will be left unchecked and un-regulated!

[Melodist]

That needed to be stopped.

[akimori makoto]

What were they doing in the Sanctury? 

Yeah, who even allowed this in the first place?

[Irish Melkite]

You were absolutely correct, but I'm with akimori in not understanding how this entire scenario was even allowed to develop.

What is this secular choir supposed to be about - what is its purpose - what is it gong to sing - when is it going to sing - and why? Is there some hope that involving these non-attendees is going to become an avenue by which they'll return to church-going? (If so, it's not exactly off to a rousing start!)

Or is this simply a created socio-cultural event into which the parish got roped since folk see it as a natural 'cultural center' around which all events should be organized - the typical 'ethnicity is us' and 'the temple is our clubhouse' outlook that too often pervades Eastern and Oriental Churches of all the Communions?

Many years,

Neil 

[Hiwot]

You were absolutely correct, but I'm with akimori in not understanding how this entire scenario was even allowed to develop.

What is this secular choir supposed to be about - what is its purpose - what is it gong to sing - when is it going to sing - and why? Is there some hope that involving these non-attendees is going to become an avenue by which they'll return to church-going? (If so, it's not exactly off to a rousing start!)

Or is this simply a created socio-cultural event into which the parish got roped since folk see it as a natural 'cultural center' around which all events should be organized - the typical 'ethnicity is us' and 'the temple is our clubhouse' outlook that too often pervades Eastern and Oriental Churches of all the Communions?
Many years,

Neil 

oh this just made my day! seriously! when someone gets it like this and puts it in few yet expressive words! it breaks my heart when I see how the Church is being treated like a historical museum and ethnic clubhouse! the result is events like these. sad really!

Christ is Risen!

[Marc1152]

Hi all.

So the church in addition to a regular choir has a secular choir consisting of those who dont necessarily attend church often. Well it was decided that we should sing in the sanctuary because thats where one of the concerts will take place. The people entered the church basically screaming and yelling, didnt make the sign of the cross, came in drinking their coffees etc. To add insult to injury we were situated in such a way that we were standing in front of the altar and some decided it was Ok to actually sit on the altar. After a few minutes I raised my hand and explained to the conductor that God is literally present here and thus it is not appropriate to sit on the altar. well after a few snide remarks he agreed but then after the practice told me not to say it in public because it might offend people and lead them to not come to the choir anymore.

 So my question is was I wrong in saying this?

IMHO you did the right thing. You were protecting them from a sacrilege..

[primuspilus]

You were very much in the right. I think that its a sign of the times. Things are sacred until someone might get offended.....

Im with Isa too, lay the saintly smackdown

PP