Two UU churches vandalized (beliefs, grace, experience, worship, grace)

[Ciscokid]

I don't know if you folks remember the Buddhist temple that was attacked in Arizona in August of '91? That happened less than a mile from my house. I lived in Waddell AZ at the time.

A couple of punks from my high school went into the temple and killed a bunch of folks. I didn't understand then and I still don't know what causes people to do the horrible things they do.

Here's a link if you're not sure what I'm referring to:
http://www.azcentral.com/specials/sp...emple0809.html

[ayani]

Originally Posted by Moni_Gail

Save us from all of those who swear they are right, then use it to menace others.

i would like to ad "amen" to that.

religious persecution is *ugly* and cowardly. i'm so sorry.

[uumckk16]

Originally Posted by Ciscokid

I don't know if you folks remember the Buddhist temple that was attacked in Arizona in August of '91? That happened less than a mile from my house. I lived in Waddell AZ at the time.

A couple of punks from my high school went into the temple and killed a bunch of folks. I didn't understand then and I still don't know what causes people to do the horrible things they do.

Here's a link if you're not sure what I'm referring to:
http://www.azcentral.com/specials/sp...emple0809.html

That is disgusting. I couldn't read the whole thing.

[Green Gaia]

Have any of you ever experienced something like this at your own church? What did the congregation do? How did you respond?

[Tigress]

We've been lucky, here. Our church is out in the country, tucked away, so no vandalism has ever occurred (that I'm aware of).--The United Church in town has had some vandalism, though. Youth like to loiter on its steps, get drunk and smash things. It's unfortunate because the church is pretty much plastered (no pun intended) now in 'No loitering' signs. Also, our local Anglican congregation recently put new copper on and around their roof and everyone was concerned about someone stealing it. We were really on the lookout the first few nights. It's such a beautiful old church. I used to live across the street from it, and I'd wake up to the bells every morning--very soothing.

[Green Gaia]

We're out in the country too, but the 'burbs are quickly approaching. Being somewhat isolated is probably a little more scary (at least for us in this area as opposed to downtown). Someone could go out and do something to the building and/or grounds and no one would ever know until maybe the next day.

It is a concern, but not to the point of living in fear.

[Tigress]

That's true, especially if development is going up in the area. Our church is in an area where farming is still largely 'the norm,' so as I've said, we've been lucky. Not too many youth are out and about that way...they're all in and around town bothering the rest of us. lol *Sigh* I live in the 'burbs, but in an older home that was once a summer cottage, so I don't feel so bad. I just hate that everything is being built up...I remember when I as younger...so much more greenery, and countryside. There are a few things our town needed, to be sure, but I wanted it to stay more like it was. Not on topic, but I just had to rant. Sorry.

[Storm Moon]

That's just sickening. I think the people who did this are just out for attention and to make themselves feel better by making others feel worthless. Hypocrites if you ask me.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by hartlandcat

Although the vandalism of places of worship is terrible, I can see some positive aspects to the fact that some Unitarian churches in the United States are frequently vandalised in this way. It shows that you have a public image — it might not be an entirely positive image to all people, it might not always be the image you want and it might not always be an accurate image, but you do seem to have an image in the wider of society, which increases the chances of making your message known.

On the one hand, it is good that Unitarian churches in England do not have a fear of vandalism. But on the other hand, it's not so good, as this is essentially because so few people even know that we even exist, let alone care about what we are. The wider public here has no concept of us, which makes it very difficult for our message to be heard.

Good point. That was my reaction too. Yes, this kind of hatred feels like a rock in my stomach, but it does mean that we are being paid attention to. These people hate us because they fear us. They fear us because they are aware of us and perceive that we have the power to be a threat. The worst thing that they can do to us is to convince us that we're powerless.