LATEST UPDATE ON WEEKEND CHURCH CHOIR EVENTS:
- NO PARKING FOR THE DISABLED?
The news came as a total shock to our Society and our disabled Members who, since several weeks ago, received an invitation via email.
We were told further that "an elder of the church was worried about blocking three parking slots for the disabled for fear that it will "upset" the able-bodied church members because their parking spaces would be taken up.
There is currently a disabled parking slot for the handicapped on the church grounds.
But PET+BLOGSPOT understands that it is not placed next to the entrance of the church but rather several metres away. We also understand that the car parking slots next to the entrance is reserved for the able-bodied elder/s of the church.
PETPOSITIVE immediately issued our protest to the Church insisting that they are morally obliged to provide disabled friendly facilities to the handicapped - and more so that we are invited guests to the function.
We even said that we would issue a formal complaint to the Church as well as to the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM) of which St Andrew's is a member of, over the issue.
We are shocked by the Elder's remark and that such discriminatory attitudes should come from a church which according to Jesus Christ in the Bible, should make the needs of the disabled a top priority.
Sadly, we had no choice but to immediately call off the event and informed our members about it.
One is a stroke survivor, and others with spinal injuries and condition. Another has a profound disability whilst all of the physically disabled (5) use wheelchairs.
However, we were pleased to receive a phone call from a representative from St Andrew's Church shortly after we made our protest that some members of their congregation were greatly disturbed by the treatment of the disabled by their church.
As a result, they have promised to turn up several hours before Sunday's event - with or without the elders approval - and stop their able-bodied members from parking their vehicles in at least three-handicapped parking which they will reserve for us.
Incidentally, our request has always been only for three disabled-friendly slots only.
PETPOSITIVE would like to say SYABAS to this wonderful St Andrew's Church members for their willingness in going the extra mile for us in showing us the true meaning of the Christmas season of Love Sent Down From Heaven.
Keep it right here bloggers, and we'll keep you informed about how this development will turn out.
2. RESERVED PARKING PROVIDED AT CCM EVENT FOR PETPOSITIVE!
Meanwhile, PETPOSITIVE is pleased to announce that reserved parking for four drivers with disabilities will be provided at tomorrow's Christmas Concert at the Sunway University College in Bandar Sunway. The coordination is being done by the CCM's Andrew Tan.PET+BLOGSPOT NEWS
11 comments:
Good luck with your visit to St. Andrew's Church this evening.
May the parking be convenient, the hospitality warm, and the carol singing uplifting.
The Scots have a reputation for their hospitality and also their stinginess.
At St. Andrew's Church today, I sincerely hope the former is true and that the later is false.
"Oh Come all Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant"
Since publishing Our Blog it has been pointed out to us that:
1) St Andrew Presbyterian Church officially provides for 2 disabled parking bays. (The reason why we didn't spot the second one was probably because an able-bodied parishioner's car was already parked on the second one.
But the two slots being located on slopes and being far away from the church's entrance is correct.
2) The parking bays where we parked on the day of the choir presentation is not really reserved for elders or office bearers of the church. However, the point that this area is the one which should be designated for the handicapped still stands.
This is the season of Christmas and the Disable People were invited to your church (St Andrew) for Christmas Carols BUT with a catch.
No parking for the Disabled because the pastor and the abled bodies cannot walk a few distance from the public parking at Jalan Ceylon?
Instead of the church getting upset that the issue has been highlighted I think what one should focus on what should be the ideal practice for Christians when caring for the less fortunate.
It's time to act what we preach from the Word Of God every Sundays.
Making the needs of disabled people a priority is what every church in Malaysia should do.
If you don't, it means you don't want the Disabled to come to your church.
Let us not forget that if it is the will of GOD anybody in your church can be Disabled. Then what? hat? BUT OUR GOD IS A GOOD GOD
Your Brother-in-Christ
Stanislaus Anthony PJK
A Roman Catholic parishioner
I have occasionally visited St Andrew's & I noticed the worshippers like to double park near the entrance blocking everyone's way. Most uncharitable and inconsiderate! Most of these cars are expensive ones, so I can only surmise that the rich in St Andrew's take priority over everyone else, including the disabled. Why don't they park opposite (next to Bursa Malaysia) or in the public carpark beside the church?
I feel the St Andrew's congregation are not welcoming, especially the pastor, Rev. Keith. He did not even bother to come and talk to the disabled visitors. I think this church has a lot to reflect and pray about. Their leadership and their members have serious problems. They only want to look at nice, safe things but don't want to face up to the sorrow, suffering and hardship faced by Malaysians. Maybe St Andrew's should get rid of its imported pastors and get some Malaysian pastors instead. Malaysia is no longer a British colony.
I agree with Dr. Jason Chai that the leadership of St. Andrews in general (perhaps with the exception of two or three of the elders and deacons) is indifferent and unfriendly. Even the caretaker is surly and rude. The current pastor, Reverend Keith Hooker, is highly unapproachable. It was a wonder how the Nine Lessons & Carols even managed to get off the ground. It was because of the good reputation of the choir Cantus Musicus and the kindness of its choir director and many of its members (some of whom are normal parishioners of St. Andrews) who assisted in making it possible for the disabled to enjoy the evening. The front-most pew was reserved for one of the very disabled who needed to be tended to by her mother. The rest of the guest-priests who were invited to participate in the Nine Lessons & Carols sat in the same pew with the disabled. But where was the Reverend Hooker? He did not even sit with his fellow guest-priests nor with the disabled. There were no words of kindness or acknowledgment from him to the disabled. That shows up a lot about a man who is supposed to practice what he preaches. And he's supposed to be the leader of the church! God help St. Andrews. They need all the assistance they can get. Maybe they are the ones who are disabled...in their souls.
Stanislaus Anthony PJK's comment is not accurate. St Andrew's (?) did not get upset. In the afternoon, St Andrew's church buildings are rented by Logos Chinese Presbyterian Church and that congregation is not under the control of the St Andrew's leadership. The real issue here is not one of an uncaring leadership but of jurisdiction and sharing of worship premises. The Roman Catholic Church does not have such problems as they own all their own churches and other property. The cars which would have blocked the disabled's cars belong to Logos Church. If you have issue with them, go and bug them.
Annoyed Presbyterian, of Friday Dececember 14, 05:58:00 PM 2007, why are you so annoyed?
Why are you passing the buck to others?
Of course St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is fully responsible for what happens on the premises they own.
It is not becoming of a Christian to be irresponsible, uncaring, hypercritical and insensitive to others?
Stanislaus Anthony PJK's comments are valid and should not be belittled and dismissed in the way you did in your comment.
The Logos Chinese Presbyterian Church and their congregation are totally irrelevant to this issue.
The St Andrew's Church leadership, seem to be arrogant, totally irresponsible and uncaring, if the tone and content of your comments are indeed truly reflective of the collective leadership.
I am an unbeliever, (a heathen, a pagan, an agnostic, an atheist, or whatever you may like to call me) but I am responsible, caring, generous, kind, loving, my heart is pure and my intentions are honourable.
If there is a hell, I am sure I will meet you there my dear annoyed presbyterian.
we don't bug children of God if the church is shared by the chinise group are also children of God If you tell them that you invited Disable they will understand. God Does not say yellow, white, black and so on are my children ALL ARE MY Children so
As a neutral obeserver, I find St Andrew's is in a bad position. Although they are English speaking, they are part of the Malaysian Presbyetrian Church which is a Chinese church. Legally St Andrew's congregation may not have much say on how their church should be used. I heard they don't even own their church building, so renovating it to disabled-friendly standard may actually be under some other body which is now lying low and letting St Andrews get all the criticsm.
I read Anthony Thanasayan's article in Wheel Power about his experience at St Andrew's Church.
I have to say that I'm totally disgusted by the lack of hospitality of the church towards disabled persons.
Some Christmas spirit it turned out to be!
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