Question for Guild members

[Linda71]

I have belonged to a small quilt guild for several years. It is not associated with a church or any organization.

At our last meeting a paper was passed around the table. It was a prayer. My guess is that most of the people in the group have some kind of religious association. However, the hat we have worn at meetings so far has been our Quilter hat. The paper read as follows.

"Keep us, O Lord, from pettiness, let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.

May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.

May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.

Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward and unafraid.

Let us take time for all things, make us grow calm, serene, gentle.

Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are one.

And may we strive to touch and know the great human heart, common to us all, and, O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.

Nice words. There was a motion at the meeting to have all members read this at the beginning of our meetings. We are not a church group. We are not the (Catholic, or Baptist, or Lutheran, etc.) Quilt Guild.

This motion passed. I would have no problem with this Prayer if I had joined the Mulberry Church Guild. But, I joined a guild with no political or religious association. If this would have been a motion about changing our meetings from Monday to Tuesday and it and I wanted Monday, and the majority voted for Tuesday, I would not have a problem with it.

I think this motion made some of our members uncomfortable(or whatever word fits here). Should their belief, quiet belief, or non belief be taken into consideration? I know that majority rules. But, could we not take some of the words from the above and use them and think of others in the group?

Send me your thoughts.

[Claire Hallman]

If it makes you uncomfortable then maybe just get to the meetings a bit late. I'm not a particularly religious person but I usually just bow my head and say amen without comment. I understand your hesitation but I don't think the prayer would be harmful.

[Claire OneStitchAtATime]

The sentiments are just fine but it does seem exclusionary to me. I'd guess that it would be off putting to new members who are Jewish, Muslim, or non-believers, for example. Could an edit be proposed taking out the appeal to God but keeping the same words about kindness, avoiding pettiness, etc? Those sentiments seem worthwhile & could be employed without invoking faith in God in a secular quilt guild. I wouldn't like this in an organization that has nothing to do with faith. Not to hurt anyone's feelings -- I know many of you have a very firm faith -- but my sister-in-law always says religion is fine between consenting adults

[Linda71]

Good idea about editing. It was suggested but did not happen.

[Cat77]

Honestly? Yes, it would definitely make uncomfortable. I would think twice about joining, even if it were edited.

[irishrn]

I don't ever think expressions of kindness and caring are bad, regardless of the affiliation they come from! As nurses, regardless of the individuals beliefs, it is what we all hope to strive for and achieve! I think the problem occurs when ones belief is presented as superior to another's! That is the slippery slope you have to be aware of! So continue to enjoy your group but be aware if it becomes more than an expression of kindness. We could all stand a little more kindness!!! IMHO!!

[Cat77]

I don't ever think expressions of kindness and caring are bad, regardless of the affiliation they come from!

If I'd go to a meeting and the first thing you hear is a reminder to everyone to basically behave like decent human beings, that would make me pause for sure! I'd think that there is a lot of cat fighting going on. Definitely not a "club" I'd want to join!

[TamiLee]

There are all kinds of groups, for all kinds of people. This is America, where everybody has a voice (or is supposed to). It does seem that Christian groups are being shut down, where Muslims or other faiths are fighting for their rights to have their say. I personally don't understand this. I would not be comfortable in a group praying to "Alah", so therefore I would not join said group. There is usually enough for everyone, and respect needs to be given to all groups. If you are uncomfortable, don't go... or, just go in later, as suggested.

[Familyjournals]

What is their purpose in doing this? Are the having issues with catty ness, gossiping, or clicks? I have no problems with prayers no matter what religious affiliation but I'm so curious at their motivation. Perhaps they could pass around the quote that M* has on the front page of this forum. "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"

[Carrie J]

Well, first of all, why the mandatory recitation by all? Have there been issues with this particular group, what it alludes to. I don't have a religion, just very deep personal convictions, and I study quite frequently. I have friends from a wide range of religions, and agnostics and atheists. Not my job to judge, and I try to live by that. Our group discussed this in depth, and we all agreed to a basic blessing to,watch over us in friendship, companionship and craft. We all agreed on this, as we wanted it to be inclusive of all. But then our wacky humor kicks in, and always someone adds, "........and please let CVS keep our meds in stock too! , so there ya go!