Church discrimination

[jburke]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I have been going to church for years, mainly for the social aspect as well as to help the community. In general, I've been very happy and have felt included. However, during Sunday services, I am not allowed to partake in communion (the eating of bread and wine) because I have not been baptized and I don't want to get baptized. In fact, I don't believe Jesus is my savior.

This exclusion makes me feel very uncomfortable and discriminated against.

My church has non-profit status. Is it legal for them to decide who can partake in communion while receiving tax breaks? I was wondering what the rules of discrimination are for non-profit enterprises.

Thanks.

 

[Mass_Shyster]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I have been going to church for years, mainly for the social aspect as well as to help the community. In general, I've been very happy and have felt included. However, during Sunday services, I am not allowed to partake in communion (the eating of bread and wine) because I have not been baptized and I don't want to get baptized. In fact, I don't believe Jesus is my savior.

This exclusion makes me feel very uncomfortable and discriminated against.

My church has non-profit status. Is it legal for them to decide who can partake in communion while receiving tax breaks? I was wondering what the rules of discrimination are for non-profit enterprises.

Thanks.

unbaptized people are not members of a protected class. It may be discrimination, but it is not illegal discrimination.

BTW: Holy Communion is not "the eating of bread and wine"

 

[enjay]

Christians (and I am not one) take communion very seriously. It is one of the primary ways they show their faith.

If you don't believe, why would you want to pretend that you do?

 

[CdwJava]

Communion is a holy sacrament, and many churches will only allow those who have fulfilled the requirements to partake in it. It is not a form of unlawful discrimination in any way. I can certainly provide you the theological foundations for communion, but that is not the issue here.

If you feel offended, find a church that will allow to take communion or one that does not regularly conduct communion.

 

[jburke]

church

I don't hide the fact that I'm agnostic, that's why I can't enter communion.

I thought that non-profits had to abide to more strict federal and state laws for discrimination. For example, many churches refuse to marry gay couples. But isn't that discrimination against homosexuals (are homosexuals a protected class?). I wouldn't care so much that they discriminate if they were paying taxes like the rest of us.

The fact that they get tax cuts and the ability to choose who they will and will not serve ticks me off.

 

[cbg]

Religious organizations are exempt from some discrimination laws.

There is no law you can find that is going to force a church to allow you to partake of a sacrament that you do not believe in.

This falls under "separation of church and state". It has nothing to do with their non-profit status.

 

[CdwJava]

I don't hide the fact that I'm agnostic, that's why I can't enter communion.

I thought that non-profits had to abide to more strict federal and state laws for discrimination. For example, many churches refuse to marry gay couples. But isn't that discrimination against homosexuals (are homosexuals a protected class?). I wouldn't care so much that they discriminate if they were paying taxes like the rest of us.

The fact that they get tax cuts and the ability to choose who they will and will not serve ticks me off.

A church is not a social club. They can establish criteria for "membership." They do not really even have to let you in the front door.

If you are a non-Mormon, just TRY to get inside a Temple! They won't even let you in the front door if you are not a member of the LDS or there on a special open day.

You can be ticked off all you want. I imagine there are people at your church that are "ticked off" that you attend their church and do not seem to have any interest in learning about the Lord.

If you want a Sunday social club, I am sure you can find one.

 

[stealth2]

LOL Go to an Orthodox Church - there is a portion of the service, right before the recitation of the Creed and then Communion where those not baptised in the Orthodox Faith are asked to leave the sanctuary.

 

[mlane58]

I am just a little confused here. How can the OP be an agnostic, go to church and have faith?

ag·nos·tic (g-nstk)
n.
1.
a. One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
b. One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.
2. One who is doubtful or noncommittal about something.

 

[Antigone*]

The OP can go to an Episcopalian church. All are welcome at that table. He just needs to know that he is partaking of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Isis1]

I am just a little confused here. How can the OP be an agnostic, go to church and have faith?

ag·nos·tic (g-nstk)
n.
1.
a. One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
b. One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.
2. One who is doubtful or noncommittal about something.

cuz it's social standing. monkey see, monkey do.

 

[justalayman]

I am just a little confused here. How can the OP be an agnostic, go to church and have faith?

ag·nos·tic (g-nstk)
n.
1.
a. One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
b. One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.
2. One who is doubtful or noncommittal about something.

I saw nothing where the OP claimed to have faith in the Lord.

this was his claim for participation:

I have been going to church for years, mainly for the social aspect as well as to help the community.

I suggest this is a troll post. If it isn't, I would have to wonder how a person that had been going to church for several years would not understand the meaning of Communion. If he did have any sense and any respect for the true parishioners, this question would never be asked.

 

[blahbleebloo]

If one doesn't believe in what the communion stands for, then why take exception at not being included? Unless you plan on skipping breakfast that day and that little piece of bread is to tide you over? I'm sure if you're that hungry the church will direct you to their nearest soup kitchen.

 

[CdwJava]

This is why he said he goes to church:

"I have been going to church for years, mainly for the social aspect as well as to help the community. In general, I've been very happy and have felt included. However, during Sunday services, I am not allowed to partake in communion (the eating of bread and wine) because I have not been baptized and I don't want to get baptized. In fact, I don't believe Jesus is my savior."

If he wants a solely social organization that helps the community, he can join the Elks, Rotary, etc. A church is for fellowship in the Lord as well as social aid. If he is welcome even as a self-proclaimed agnostic, then he should learn to understand and honor the beliefs of those around him. He can sit quietly and wait until the service is over and then socialize.

 

[swalsh411]

This person is either a troll or incredibly selfish. What kind of a person would show so little respect towards the deeply held beliefs of their friends that they would want to join them in a holy ritual that they don't believe in?