Ouch! This is a tolerance dilemma.

My UU church has rented space to a temple for almost 10 years. We get along famously and their payments keep us financially in the black.

They have asked us to make an announcement during our church service about a Support Israel rally to be held Saturday afternoon at which our Hon. Rep. Pinhead (R-Gatorland) will make an appearance.

Hmmm.....If I make the announcement it could a) start a vociferous debate among Unitarian Universalists, b) inspire a counter-demonstration thereby pissing off the tenants or c) fade quietly into the brains of those present and not be an issue.

*sigh*

I'll make the announcement....followed very quickly by another announcement on a completely unrelated subject.

Perhaps even on the subject of "tolerance dilemmas."

Is it Hagee's new group, CUFI?

In the Sunday bulletin (or whatever you call yours)? And a poster in the foyer... got bulletin board space? You could tell them you have no problem mixing God's churches, but you don't like to mix politics and religion.

**sigh**

I was asked to take down the link to "Save the Civilians of Lebanon" petition from our little site because it risks offending people we've made submissions to. So, I did.

And I'm really uncomfortable about it. It may go back up.

No easy calls to make, not at all.

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or do you just like igniting flames?

Jews go to Temple. Synagogue. Shul. But I think you probably know that.

in Temples. Gee, these folks really should learn to get along. They've so much in common, including DNA.

The UU churchis one of the few I have no animosity towards. Do not let these folks use you as a platform for their right wing war mongering. It is more than a tolerance dilema, it is the fusion of church and politics. Just what the right wing wants.

If you make the announcement, you are mixing politics and religion.

I'd tell them that I do not believe in drawing politics into church. It is a reasonable stance.

If they wanted to stop renting over that, you are better off without the money. At least you still have a clear conscience.

I've used freedom of the pulpit to denounce the violence in Afghanistan and Iraq and other areas of the world. The separation of church and state is not all that clear a line. I'll rail on political topics until I'm blue in the face, I just can't endorse candidates or political parties. They know we're a political bunch.

:eyes:

This weeks announcements: Gay Family week starts on Monday, big party in the garden, Temple X is holding a rally for Israel on Monday, The Ladies Quarterly is sponsoring a bake off, and Voter Awareness week is coming up fast!

Throw it in fast and without fanfare.

it could lose its tax exempt status with the IRS.

There is a very practical reason to say NO

This doesn't remotely jeopardize tax status.

Does the temple usually direct what is in one of your services, or you theirs? Sounds like you might invite them to put it in their own service, and leave the UU business to its members.

or not. I think we'll just bury it amongst a list of other announcements....like the Peace Rally next Wednesday.

What does the contract say?

able to give a nondenial denial if you want to.

In my heart, I don't believe that this violence is good for Israel. Not in any way. So, I suppose I'd find some way to keep the peace and not make the announcement. Or to make the announcement a non announcement as readmoreoften suggests.

Many of us are or will be faced with these decisions. I hope we're as thoughtful as you are being.

:)