St. Nicholas national Shrine NYC, interfaith center?

[Nik0s]

As you may or may not know, when St. Nicholas is completed there will be a room upstairs "for all faiths" for private "quiet reflection." I for one cannot say that I agree with this. It should be an Orthodox temple, for Orthodox worship

What is the interfaith component of Saint Nicholas National Shrine?

As a witness to the boundless Love of God, which triumphs over violence and hatred, a special, interfaith and non-sectarian space has been dedicated for peaceful reflection and meditation to be used by people of all faiths and beliefs. The entire structure, including the nave, bereavement space (2nd floor) and social hall (3rd floor) will have programs of remembrance designed specifically for the surviving family members, inter-religious educational programs, cultural events and an integrated synergistic overall program of activities, exhibitions, etc. that are commensurate with the dignity and solemnity of the site. The inclusivity of the bereavement space within the structure that houses a particular house of worship signals the American democratic and religious ideal that the practice of one's own beliefs in no way hinders the beliefs of another. In fact, quite the opposite, it welcomes the belief of another. Thus the bereavement space is non-denominational and truly interfaith.

FAQs - St. Nicholas National Shrine

I do not like this AT ALL. Of course all are welcome to "come and see" the Orthodox Church, but having heterodox and non-Christian "inter-faith" events in an Orthodox Church!? It smells like a bad decision. Thoughts?

 

[ArmyMatt]

well, provided it's merely dialoguing in an Orthodox context I think that is fine. that could actually be a good hook into Orthodoxy if used correctly. if, however, we allow heterodox or pagan prayers and services....

 

[gzt]

Perhaps the "interfaith" space will be sufficiently sequestered from the actual temple space to make this a non-issue.

 

[Nik0s]

well, provided it's merely dialoguing in an Orthodox context I think that is fine. that could actually be a good hook into Orthodoxy if used correctly. if, however, we allow heterodox or pagan prayers and services....

I'm afraid of that exact thing happening Matt. I don't want to see Buddha statues and a mihrab in an Orthodox Church, no matter how "Nice" the sentiment is.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I don't either

 

[SeventhValley]

From what I have read in mountain of silence nothing happens without providence so if Buddists use it, it is God's will.

 

[dzheremi]

I think you might be confusing God's providence with His will. Remember that God makes His sun rise on wicked as well as the good, as we are taught in the gospel of St. Matthew and elsewhere.

 

[E.C.]

There's no need for it other than for some uber-PC bureaucrat who's a recent college graduate with no real-world experience to feel good about himself for coming up with it.


Besides, I remember the various articles I've encountered about the parish before 9/11 saying that ALL people were already welcomed to come in and sit down for a moment of peace from the chaos outside without being proselytized from the parishioners.
Simply another time that Orthodoxy has some idea imposed upon it due to the bigotry of Protestantism.

 

[SeventhValley]

Apparently the second floor will be a 9/11 memorial and the third floor will be a social hall open to anyone.

But it says they are not receiving government funds so why bother opening it up for outside groups. As people have said anyone could go in and light a candle already.

 

[Nik0s]

There's no need for it other than for some uber-PC bureaucrat who's a recent college graduate with no real-world experience to feel good about himself for coming up with it.


Besides, I remember the various articles I've encountered about the parish before 9/11 saying that ALL people were already welcomed to come in and sit down for a moment of peace from the chaos outside without being proselytized from the parishioners.
Simply another time that Orthodoxy has some idea imposed upon it due to the bigotry of Protestantism.

You are correct, St. Nicholas was a haven to all before the attacks without having any happy clappy "interfaith" center. Is the Church going to be prohibited from ringing their bells next because it might offend someone?