When churches and boaters collide
I'd have waited.
Then again, I wait out funeral processions as well (though it can get a bit hairy on High Point Road and Wendover and ...).
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Comments (4)
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There's a big difference here, Nancy. Several, in fact. First off, a boat ramp is built only with boat traffic in mind. It's not built as a Baptismal pool.
Second, there are several good, practical reasons why any funeral has state laws establishing right-of-way - and religion doesn't enter into it.
Third, the story says that there were dozens of people lined up to get baptized -- on July 4th, no less. They had every reason to expect a lot of boat traffic there on that day. They were in a bad location and created a hazard for the people that area was purposely built for.
IMO, if you MUST get into a lake or a river for a religious ceremony, find a spot that won't hinder others in their enjoyment of the same area. That SHOULD be just common courtesy.
Posted on July 21, 2008 6:22 PM
I generally agree with you, Namtac. The Fourth was a poor choice for baptisms in this case. This just seems to be a case of multiple use of a public facility, in which common sense and mutual respect should prevail. Many new churches do not yet have a baptismal pool and depend on venues such as swimming pools, lakes, rivers - even bathtubs. I think the procedures adopted by the town council and mayor in this case sound reasonable enough.
Posted on July 22, 2008 8:12 AM
The point of new churches not having a place of their own for immersions is one I hadn't thought of. That helps make a lot more sense of the story.
I agree that the measures that the town have put in place make good sense. No doubt there are a lot of other places where this sort of thing happens. Maybe there are other towns that will benefit from hearing of this story.
Posted on July 22, 2008 10:26 AM
namtac; you speak my mind.
Shalom
Posted on July 22, 2008 2:36 PM