Closing churches has been a source of angst and anger in the historically Catholic-rich city of Lockport for more than two years.
Now, though, the planned Easter Sunday opening of an evangelical Christian church has heightened the sensitivities of some Catholics.
The Chapel at CrossPoint, an Amherst megachurch, will launch a satellite campus in April, using the Palace Theatre and a former post office, both on Main Street in the heart of Lockport.
At least one Catholic priest views the move as an effort to scoop up disenfranchised Catholics in the community, and he's warned his parishioners about it.
All Saints posting of Rev Waite's bulletin message.
I could not find the video referenced (only a couple links to pulled videos). If anyone does feel free to post the link.
UPDATE: 2/23/10
Video 1 - Chapel Message on Lockport
Video 2 - Chapel Message about Palace and Old Post Office
As I've said before, it will be nice to have more people DT. The work being done the Palace in lieu of rent and another tenant (with money) are also pluses.
16 comments:
I actually think that this is HILARIOUS. The Catholic church feels intimidated because of the "fancy" equipment and strong methods of evangelising of the Chapel?? Yet they are calling their members to engage in the same. The striking thing here is that they cannot see the fact that Lockport is a place where many do not hold strong to any faith, and be thankful that there is another group coming in to preach the Word of God. Shame to the Catholic church for focusing on numbers and equipment, rather than rejoicing in more of God's grace and love being brought in to the community. If the Catholic Church held to the holy scriptures they would understand that the truth will prevail, and should not feel so jealous or intimidated. And maybe if their methods worked, they would be growing, but instead, their works based faith that causes guilt cannot stand up to the freeing grace and love truths that the protestant church holds dear.
It comes down to money. The corrupt Catholic church wants it all.
Lighthouses have saved more people than "jesus".
I have to agree that {Takeover of city)is a very poor choice of words as is {Takeover of The Palace). That is confrontational talk and only causes dissension and defensiveness on the part of those who don't understand what you are all about.
I will engage anyone in conversation about the Gospel and that Jesus it is the only way to Heaven and you are free to listen or go on your way. If people hate me I want it to be because of what I believe not because of how I present it and I definitely don't hate you.
I am acquainted with Pastor Jerry and some of the staff at the Chapel. It is hard to believe that any of them are using the terminology that has been expressed in some of the comments.
To the Roman Catholic Church I ask, if you have the truth and God is in control and on the Throne why are you being so defensive?
I guess I should have know better. For comments like the anonymous I removed above head over to the Buffalo News page. Last look there was 125+ comments of back and forth nonsense. ;) Regardless of religion, political leaning, etc we are are human and mostly driven by self-rewarding endeavors and easily corrupted by power. So it goes...
I've added the video link up above from the Chapel website. Nothing too offensive except that it can come off sounding like we are some outpost of heathens and maybe Gillis dressing a tad to hip. ;)
I can see the worry about those parishoners disenfranchised over the "Journey in Faith and Grace" looking for somewhere new. The best the Catholic Diocese could do is give a very viable parish like St Mary's the ability to meet benchmarks to remain open. Or any parish for that matter.
I'm more interested in the building use aspects and the presence of people DT.
MJ,
How do I sugar coat it, or pretend the issues aren't relevant to matter at hand? I grew up Catholic and I'm very frustrated. This is not the church I grew up in. Sorry to cause a stir. I'll stay out of your blog.
I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.
Gods are fragile things; they may be killed by a whiff of science or a dose of common sense.
I agree with you Rocketboy! However,The Chapel has no intention of taking people away from the churches they belong to. If the Catholic Church is that worried about their congregation leaving, they are not doing their job properly.
Rocketboy.
I appreciate your correcting my misunderstanding of your previous post. Being a one dimensional means of communication, it is not always easy for us to express exactly what is in our
thoughts.
You seem like an intelligent, well thought out person in many of your posts i.e. the Canal Street issue. . That's why I'm confused as to how you got a reference to "Post-Punk German Industrial" and "Western Canada Country-Folk Music" from the Chapel videos and "the implication that there is something wrong with me that needs to be fixed."
Unless you are in to something illegal or immoral, no one is going to care how you live your life. If you are not interested in the work and/or the message of the Chapel, I am quite sure that you will be left alone. While I agree there are some Christian Denominations who are too aggressive in their approach, and even embarrass me in their presentation, the Chapel is not one of them.
I really hope that you will be able to come to the conclusion that the Chapel and their members are not trying to keep you from living your lifestyle.
I'm not really offended by the videos. It's no different than any other CEO trying to sell his investors on a company expansion. You make the market opportunity look as big as possible and get them excited.
Anyone looking to do good things, invest DT, etc is fine by me. Welcome to Lockport. All I ask is that if a full church is established somewhere in the future it can be discussed to not effect other entities and possibilities DT.
I'm not sure what my reason for this post was as I didn't put much in it. I've learned my lesson. ;)
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