UK bishop allows pagan Hindu festival to be celebrated in Catholic Church grounds

I am not Roman Catholic, so my opinion matters little, but I am at least somewhat consoled to see that this ceremony took place in the parish hall and not in the sanctuary. There may be room for charity and kindness, even in accommodating pagan religious ceremonies, in the purpose of outreach/charity to other faiths, but it would (in my opinion) be a travesty if the Church allowed pagan ceremonies in a sacred space. My hope would be that the charity shown by the Church will lead to some dialogue and respect between these groups, and a greater respect and love for Christianity.

“Paisios” said:

There may be room for charity and kindness, even in accommodating pagan religious ceremonies, in the purpose of outreach/charity to other faiths, but it would (in my opinion) be a travesty if the Church allowed pagan ceremonies in a sacred space.

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hello Paisios. Churches in the UK, of many denominations, have been bending over backwards for some years now to accommodate everything but the truth within their walls. The result is not that the unsaved bust down to doors to get in and get saved, the result is that anyone on the side of truth leaves. God Bless

Next will be a Satanic Mass. "But they're such nice people..." (I actually heard someone say that.)

Michie said:

*You are in the Catholic forum*

A London Catholhc parish allowed a Hindu group to hold a "Diwali" pagan festival in its parish hall next to the church. The local archbishop defended the decision after a parishioner complained, but has also decided to review policy after LifeSiteNews reached out for comment.

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UK bishop allows pagan Hindu festival to be celebrated on Catholic church grounds

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We need a little response button for a facepalm. 'Cause that's just what I did when I read this.

Chrystal-J said:

Next will be a Satanic Mass. "But they're such nice people..." (I actually heard someone say that.)

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Facepalm.

lismore said:

hello Paisios. Churches in the UK, of many denominations, have been bending over backwards for some years now to accommodate everything but the truth within their walls. The result is not that the unsaved bust down to doors to get in and get saved, the result is that anyone on the side of truth leaves. God Bless

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I m not in favor of compromise, nor in desecrating sacred spaces, in the name of “accommodation”, but Christ told us to love and pray even for our enemies, and coming to truth can sometimes be a long process, that I think is better served by charity than exclusion...but not at the expense of Truth. It is a delicate balance.

Chrystal-J said:

Next will be a Satanic Mass. "But they're such nice people..." (I actually heard someone say that.)

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Agree.

Michie said:

I do not see Christ inviting these activities into the synagogue. He's be there overturning tables. Being Christian does not equal doormat.

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I don’t disagree, and I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I am in favor of compromising truth or desecration of our sacred spaces. Quite the opposite, actually.

My original comment was more that I was grateful that this was not allowed in the sanctuary, but rather in a parish hall. I would hate to see the Church proper desecrated by a pagan ritual. I (though I do not speak for either the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Churches) can have some sympathy for showing compassion to non-Christians in need, even when I disagree with their beliefs, and can hope that some kindness from the Church will lead to more interest in the truth in the future. Never would I agree with compromise or any validation of pagan beliefs.

Please forgive me if my other posts appear to suggest otherwise.

For clarification, would the parish hall be considered a sacred space, similar to the sanctuary or a Catholic cemetary? (If so, I withdraw much of my original response...but I had not thought a parish hall was a sacred space)

Michie said:

Chutch grounds are a sacred space as far as I am concerned. Why go through the blessings, etc. if we are just going to defile those spaces?

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Then my apologies. I meant no disrespect, but spoke in ignorance of what actually constitutes sacred space in Catholicism. I beg your forgiveness, and stand corrected.

Michie said:

Please do not worry for a second. I enjoy your company and you have always been very respectful of our faith. I do not want to make you feel badly for asking sincere questions. *hugs*

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Thank you. Though I am Eastern Orthodox, I have a great deal of respect for my Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. My questions and comments are always meant in support, love, respect and fellowship (even in the times when we are in disagreement). And I recognize that there is much I don’t know about Catholicism, so may speak out of turn in ignorance, but not in malice. I would never intentionally be disrespectful in your safe home (or anywhere else for that matter).

Michie said:

*You are in the Catholic forum*

A London Catholhc parish allowed a Hindu group to hold a "Diwali" pagan festival in its parish hall next to the church. The local archbishop defended the decision after a parishioner complained, but has also decided to review policy after LifeSiteNews reached out for comment.

Continued below.
UK bishop allows pagan Hindu festival to be celebrated on Catholic church grounds

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The evil continues

“Paisios” said:

Thank you. Though I am Eastern Orthodox, I have a great deal of respect for my Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. My questions and comments are always meant in support, love, respect and fellowship (even in the times when we are in disagreement). And I recognize that there is much I don’t know about Catholicism, so may speak out of turn in ignorance, but not in malice. I would never intentionally be disrespectful in your safe home (or anywhere else for that matter).

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You've asked some very good questions! Well done!

While reading the question and the various responses as well, I was thinking about how we could reach out in friendship without compromising what we believe in.

What came back to me was to share with those in need what God has given to us, but to do it in a way that shows respect and honor to Christ.

And then I remembered the story of the Good Samaritan, and when he found a stranger in need of help, how he stopped, bound up the wounded man who had been set upon by robbers, offered him a cup of cold water, and found safe lodging for the wounded person who had been set upon.

I noticed in the story that it wasn't thought necessary to take the wounded man into the sanctuary, or even to the outer Court in order to find safety and refuge for him.
What was important in the story were three things:
1. treatment to stabilize his life
2. continued care to restore him
3. provide a temporary safe haven to aid him in his recovery.

So in summary, restore the life first, and then provide aid to restore the soul.

Shouldn't have happened. I wouldn't even be comfortable allowing Muslims and Jews to celebrate their holidays on Church grounds, let alone Pagans.