What is role of Sun City in church?

The letter, “No room for God in Sun City,” prompted reflective thoughts about how, historically, major religions had to come to grips with their political and economic responsibilities as organized religious communities and why the Community Christian Church has attracted such ire.

I will not judge the underlying reasons why residents are for or against this organization, www.communitychristian.org, renting space at Meadow Lodge. I do not believe it is founded in bigotry or anti-religious freedom. Most Sun City residents fall within the broad statistical brush that paints religion in America today, so why the angst?

The group seems willing to pay for the use, include only Sun City members, and follow the rules.

Researching the CC Church, however, one is struck by these observations. One is the lack of parishioner involvement in its financial management. The website indicates no church laymen involved in the economic/political aspect of the church, although there is a heavy focus on financial contribution. Second, there is a tone of anti-Christian sentiment as they distinguish themselves as Jesus-followers, distaining Christians as not true Jesus followers.

I can sympathize with their disdain for those who call themselves Christians but do not follow Christ’s teachings; as poignantly exemplified by politicians who proclaim that they live by “Christian values” only to be indicted on a charge of adultery, stealing, condoning torture or withholding funding from services for the needy.

These are, one hopes, exceptions because we know there are exceptions found in every group, religious or not.

The questions I have is whether the hierarchy of Sun City, the Community Association Committee, should protect people from themselves or influence how people choose to contribute their money or time?

Gail Talbot

Huntley