Monday, July 21, 2008

NIMBYism in Park Ridge

Here's a link to a Chicago Tribune article about Carl Morello, the pastor of St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, and his attempt to open a PADs shelter in a gym in the church. While most Christians would probably say it is important to follow the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25, there is still a prevailing prejudice that screams NOT IN MY BACK YARD!

Matthew 25

42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

this is so sad. Do these Christians not read Matthew 25? We have PADS at our church. We deliberately have it on the night of our midweek service. I used to volunteer there and would bring our PADS guests to the service. Try worshipping beside a homeless person, esp. when you sing about the provision of God. It's a life-changing experience.