The last 6 months or so, our church newsletter was taken over by some new ladies. It used to be very peaceful, offer "thoughts for the week" in addition to psalms, events, etc. But now it has slowly gone down. They say things like "this week the committee felt like they had to rebuke certain members..." and "we have noticed more sinners while shopping lately, we must try to bring them into church - you can recognize them by their dress" - HORRIBLE stuff like that. It's so embarrassing, judgmental, and makes me feel sick - the "newsletter" is now their personal thoughts. I'm nervous about starting stuff because I've loved this church for years. How should I begin to address my concerns?
2007-09-24 01:20:18 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
time to have a mini-inquisition in the mall? WHERE CAN I SIGN UP? lol jk....
I think that's ridiculous and you should talk to your priest. Maybe instead of mentioning certain people like the "sinner at the mall" they could say "invite your friends to church this week!" or something friendly...
2007-09-24 01:26:03 · answer #1 · answered by Love Yahoo!!! is a prince 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi Sapphire, I totally agree with you on this matter, the newsletter should not be used for the personal opinions of any group who use it to be judgmental.
These people are setting themselves up as an elite and holier-than-thou and this has to be brought to your Priests attention.
The same thing occurs with parish councils at times and when it does it is the cause of discontent and even causing people to stop coming back.
Having said this many Priests do not have the courage to challenge people such as these and may need some moral backing, so be prepared.
2007-09-24 08:30:12 · answer #2 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely go and talk with your priest. The church newsletter shouldn't be a forum for them to express their personal opinions. It's not meant to be an editorial.
If you can find some other people that feel the same way, it would help if you enlist them to go and speak to him with you. Also, if you have past copies of the newsletter, highlight the parts that are inappropriate and bring them with you to show him.
Maybe you can suggest that they add an editorial page for anyone who wants to express an opinion on an issue, and then anyone--the ladies OR the congregants, can write in.
Good luck.
2007-09-24 08:28:47 · answer #3 · answered by Jess H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid to speak up. It's your church too. There are probably others in your church who feel the same way you do so, if you're not comfortable dealing with this alone, try to get a group of like-minded church members together, and bring the concerns of the group to the attention of your priest.
2007-09-24 08:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by YY4Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely talk to your priest. I am surprised he has not already put a stop to it. Be honest. "Father, I am concerned about the tone of the newsletters..." and give him examples to back up your feelings. If possible use scripture, and his own words/teachings to help you express your concern. Perhaps he doesn't even read it, and is unaware.
Sometimes we get to feeling a little righteous and want to save the world, but we need to remind ourselves we are to lead by example and not persecution. These ladies might need a little reminder! Good Luck and God Bless You!
2007-09-24 08:29:10 · answer #5 · answered by MonkeyMami 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES,,say sumthing..
To start off with ask the preist has any one of them ever read the bible?
Did Jesus rebuke any of his people?-(He ask forgiveness for the ones who put him on the cross..)
The remark of,,''sinners shopping?and they can reconize them by the way they dress?""
Why r they worried about how people dress??--(We are given free will from God,,and they should be able to dress as they please...)
They sound as if they are pulling a guilt trip on members to make them put more in the $$ tray,like if they can afford new clothes they can afford to donate more.
And why are they calling them Sinners??
We are not to be the ones who judge,,but God himself.
(Sounds like a Salem witch hunt...)
Its sick and disrespectful,and not a church I want my kids to go to,,because it does not follow the Love thy neighbor rule that the bible teaches us,,love every 1 regardless of race,how we dress,how much $$ we have or dont have,even what type of way we worship,,we should always be respectful to one another,,and it sounds like they r showing no respect towards anyone but themselves.
If u cant figure out how to explain it to the preist,,then have their e-mail placed on the yahoos answers and ask people to give the church their opions,,
Myself its sick and no love or respect for others is being shown,U cant say its a house of god if u rebuke others and sinners,who need God to help them...
Isnt that why they have churches in the first place?
2007-09-24 13:11:59 · answer #6 · answered by donttrustsnowmen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to bring this to the attention of the minister.
If you can, have an old copy or two, so that you can visibly SHOW him the difference.
You ARE in the right, here, I wouldn't let those people kill the newsletter.
2007-09-24 08:27:16 · answer #7 · answered by Jed 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you know when they have their meetings to see what they are going to put in the next weeks bulletin? If you do then go and just drop in. Make suggestions etc.
If not. Then I would write a letter to the priest and tell him what you just said.
Prayers are with you.
2007-09-24 08:27:37 · answer #8 · answered by Lynn M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circulate a petition among other church-members.
.
2007-09-24 08:27:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Seriously, I'd take the bulletin to your priest, and simply ask, "What part of 'judge not lest you be judged' do they not understand?"
2007-09-24 08:27:44 · answer #10 · answered by Cap'n Zeemboo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋