Picketting of Religious Structures

[Popeyesays]

I think you should go to the local Interfaith Alliance Group and present the problem to them. Perhaps a counter-picketing group could be organized to do the same sort of thing at THEIR gatherings.
One might also video-tape the events, and take those video-tapes to every single chapter of the Optimists, the Shriners, Kiwanis, etc. and find out the names of the individuals who picket you. Then you could take out public service spots to show what they do, and start an organization to oppose such behavior.

If they are out-of towners, have someone follow them back to hotels and such and find out who they are, then put ads in their local newspapers showing how they behave in public.

You have to get creative. They are behaving in a socially unacceptable and foolish fashion. Heck you do not have to make fools of them in public, they've done that already, capitalize on their efforts to make them laughing stocks.

Years ago, the Baha`i's in the Bisbee/Sierra Vista/Douglas, Arizona area hosted a Race Unity Day picnic, and we were subjected to a visit of a busload of Four Square Gospel Church idiots who did much the same.

We wrote up a newspaper story about the event and said simply at the end of the article "The local FOur Square Gospel Church community also participated in the event. They did not show up the next year.

Regards,
Scott

 

[Bishka]

I think you should go to the local Interfaith Alliance Group and present the problem to them. Perhaps a counter-picketing group could be organized to do the same sort of thing at THEIR gatherings.
One might also video-tape the events, and take those video-tapes to every single chapter of the Optimists, the Shriners, Kiwanis, etc. and find out the names of the individuals who picket you. Then you could take out public service spots to show what they do, and start an organization to oppose such behavior.

If they are out-of towners, have someone follow them back to hotels and such and find out who they are, then put ads in their local newspapers showing how they behave in public.

You have to get creative. They are behaving in a socially unacceptable and foolish fashion. Heck you do not have to make fools of them in public, they've done that already, capitalize on their efforts to make them laughing stocks.

Years ago, the Baha`i's in the Bisbee/Sierra Vista/Douglas, Arizona area hosted a Race Unity Day picnic, and we were subjected to a visit of a busload of Four Square Gospel Church idiots who did much the same.

We wrote up a newspaper story about the event and said simply at the end of the article "The local FOur Square Gospel Church community also participated in the event. They did not show up the next year.

Regards,
Scott

That's an idea. A very good one.

 

[Smoke]

Years ago, the Baha`i's in the Bisbee/Sierra Vista/Douglas, Arizona area hosted a Race Unity Day picnic, and we were subjected to a visit of a busload of Four Square Gospel Church idiots who did much the same.

We wrote up a newspaper story about the event and said simply at the end of the article "The local FOur Square Gospel Church community also participated in the event. They did not show up the next year.

:biglaugh: I love that.

 

[Bishka]

You would never believe who responded to my email. Haha. You know that John Connor guy who did the LDS temple thing? I wrote him and email and he wrote me back. In fact we've been dialoguing for the past little bit now. He sounds about 15 and has some 'interesting' arguments.

 

[Smoke]

You would never believe who responded to my email. Haha. You know that John Connor guy who did the LDS temple thing? I wrote him and email and he wrote me back. In fact we've been dialoguing for the past little bit now. He sounds about 15 and has some 'interesting' arguments.

I've been looking at his website some more, and I think the whole thing has got to be a huge joke. Nobody's that stupid. He has an "interview" with a Mormon lady where he keeps talking about "the Angel Moron" and asks about "the magical underwear." It's "*******" goes to church.

 

[Bishka]

I've been looking at his website some more, and I think the whole thing has got to be a huge joke. Nobody's that stupid. He has an "interview" with a Mormon lady where he keeps talking about "the Angel Moron" and asks about "the magical underwear." It's "*******" goes to church.

Yeah, he seemed like an idiot when I talked to him. I actually referred him to here, we'll see what happens.

 

[nutshell]

And here I always thought it was John Conner who would save us from the Terminators...not the Mormon church.

 

[jonny]

This is one cult that is dangerous to Christianity and the world, in that its ultimate goal is to convince its members that Lucifer is God, and the source of the light after which they seek.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I must have missed that day in Sunday School!!!!!!!!

 

[Maxist]

Well, it saddenss me that people would do that to any structure; not only religious ones.

 

[Flappycat]

I will sympathize just as soon as I hear that the Church of LDS has a strict policy against interfering with the lives of members of the gay community, whether directly or through the ballot box. Quid Pro Quo. One way or the other, the behavior of the picketers was immature and not something that should be accepted or tolerated in a civilized society.

 

[lilithu]

Unfortunatly for them, while trying to enter the building (and any trying to listen over the PA system at Temple Square across the street) they get confronted by people waving signs. Some of these signs simply state a scripture or two, others are outright attacks. And in both cases, the holders are often shouting things that are considered offensive.

And I know that this is not unique to us LDS. It's come to my knowledge that the same thing happens at the Jehovah's Witnesses General Assemblies (the yearly meeting they have all over the world, sorry if I got the name wrong).

I'm curious to know how this can be considered an appropriate way of sharing a Gospel message, ministering to people, or even sharing your beliefs with someone.

Here are a few examples of the signs that people will wave-

From an outsider's point of view, the theological differences that Mormons have with other Christians are small. So much hatred in reaction to such small differences. If only they could generate such righteous indignation at the corporate execs and politicians who are robbing the poor, sick, and aged. Think of how much good they could do with that energy! What does it mean to be Christian anyway?

 

[nutshell]

I will sympathize just as soon as I hear that the Church of LDS has a strict policy against interfering with the lives of members of the gay community, whether directly or through the ballot box. Quid Pro Quo. One way or the other, the behavior of the picketers was immature and not something that should be accepted or tolerated in a civilized society.

Please use our proper name if you refer to us: Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (you left out the most important part).

That said, the Church does not control the vote of its members or interfere with the lives of the gay community. We also certainly do not picket your most special days telling you you're going to hell.

 

[Flappycat]

Please use our proper name if you refer to us: Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (you left out the most important part).

I'm aware that you're Christians.

That said, the Church does not control the vote of its members

I didn't say that it does. Your organization does have a strong influence on the views of the religion's adherents, though.

We also certainly do not picket your most special days telling you you're going to hell.

No, your organization just tells people we're mentally ill. Personally, I'd rather have the guy from the video. He, at least, is amusing.

 

[Squirt]

No, your organization just tells people we're mentally ill.

Do you have any quotes from LDS leadership, Flappycat?

 

[Smoke]

Please use our proper name if you refer to us: Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (you left out the most important part).

It's an easy mistake, it could happen to anyone.

That said, the Church does not control the vote of its members or interfere with the lives of the gay community.

The Church does actively campaign against our having equal rights.

We also certainly do not picket your most special days telling you you're going to hell.

I'm glad you don't. But it's not unheard of for Mormons to do just that.

 

[Flappycat]

Yes, Nutshell; while it's commendable that your organization condemns verbal abuse on this premise, what they say instead can be more offensive than honest and forthright abuse. And, before this discussion becomes completely derailed, I think that the Mormons here would do well to get a nice, close look at ignorant prejudice as seen from the other side before speaking again. It would be hilariously comical if you didn't know they actually believed what they were saying, but, as it is, it's a bit saddening. Does that come pretty close to your feelings? Welcome to our world.

 

[nutshell]

Well, you're preaching to the wrong audience, buddy. I have nothing against homosexuals.

 

[jonny]

I don't think most Mormons have anything against homosexuals. Some do have something against homosexual marriage. I say, get the government out of our bedrooms, quit giving tax advantages to married people, and let adults live in adult relationships without the approval or disapproval of the "all-knowing" government.

You might be interested in this website: http://lds4gaymarriage.net/

I really like how Brandon Flowers, lead singer for the Killers said it:

Do your religious values impact how you feel about gays and their equal rights?
No. I think everybody should have equal rights. The church that I am in has never been opposed to that. It is a very tolerant gathering.

 

[jonny]

Do you have any quotes from LDS leadership, Flappycat?

Squirt, I know you haven't been around here long, but this isn't a discussion that you want to get into with Flappycat. His irrational hate for Mormons is stronger than any feelings that Mormons have for homosexuals. If you're lucky, he might accuse you of being a murderer.

 

[Smoke]

Do your religious values impact how you feel about gays and their equal rights?
No. I think everybody should have equal rights. The church that I am in has never been opposed to that. It is a very tolerant gathering.

From www.fairlds.org:

Church leaders are adamant that "any alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of society" and that "a bona fide marriage is one between a man and a woman solemnized by the proper legal or ecclesiastical authority."54 Elder Dallin H. Oaks reiterates the necessity of marriage for exaltation: "Our eternal destiny-exaltation in the celestial kingdom-is made possible only through the atonement of Jesus Christ...and is only available to a man and a woman who have entered into and been faithful to the covenants of an eternal marriage I a temple of God."55 In 1994 The First Presidency issued a statement specifically on this topic:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints oppose any efforts to give legal authorization to marriages between persons of the same gender. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God to fulfill the eternal destiny of His children.

We encourage members to appeal to legislators, judges, and other government officials to preserve the purposes add sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and to reject all efforts to give legal authorization or other official approval or support to marriages between persons of the same gender.56
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54 Faust, James E. "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil." The Ensign 25 (September 1995): 5.
55 Oaks, Dallin H. "Same-Gender Attraction." The Ensign 25 (October 1995): 7.
56 Letter from The First Presidency. "Same Gender Marriages." Salt Lake City; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, February 1994.

("Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ, http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/byrd.html)
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