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Monday, November 17, 2014

National Cathedral: Should there even be one?

Washington National Cathedral   (LOC photo)
While the battle rages on about whether or not a Muslim prayer service should be conducted at the Washington National Cathedral, a more fundamental question is being overlooked:  Should there even be a “National” house of worship that is firmly rooted in one particular religion?

The National Cathedral’s Strategic Plan 2015 states: The Cathedral’s founders established it to have special
significance for American public life…  It also overlooks
the houses of government where the country’s path is
chartered…  The coming years will see the Cathedral seek leadership to the nation as well as to become a more welcome portal into Christianity...

How well does this strategy align with the Establishment
Clause of the First Amendment?  Does it become way too
dangerously close to presenting Christianity as America’s
“National” religion?

In light of that danger, welcoming Muslims (or those of many other faiths) to host their own worship services within this “National” site seems only right and good.  Nevertheless, the Franklin Grahams of America are voicing their harsh disapproval with words such as these:  It’s sad to see a church open its doors to the worship of anything other than the One True God of the Bible who sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to earth to save us from our sins.

Some might reply:  “Mr. Graham, is it not much sadder to see a church doubling up as an American
idol?”

Resources
http://www.nationalcathedral.org/pdfs/StrategicPlan2015.pdf
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/National-Cathedral-to-Host-First-Muslim-Prayer-282303401.html

Copyright November 17, 2014 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved


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