'This is what I'm meant to be doing': the vicar welcoming Muslims to church

theguardian.com ^ | July 18, 2016 | Nazia Parveen

[Berlin_Freeper]

The congregation of St Mark’s church in Stoke-on-Trent are in tears. The old walls are amplifying a booming version of the traditional Christian hymn Thanks to God as an hour-long baptism ceremony draws to a close. It’s a powerful, emotive rendition, yes, but the tears are for something else.

This particular voice is the Iranian Muslim Amir Nowjavni, singing in Farsi, who is one of 16 asylum seekers converting to Christianity on a Saturday afternoon.

The white faces who used to make up the congregation of this tiny church in a deprived area of Stoke have been replaced by an eclectic mix of Iranians, Syrians, Iraqis, Bangladeshis and Eritreans who are all either looking for salvation in another religion or simply seeking charity.

In just three years, the Rev Sally Smith has presided over this total transformation of St Mark’s from a middle-class church to something resembling a refugee processing centre.

It is far from an isolated case. In fact, Smith’s story is a microcosm of what is happening across churches in Europe where a growing number of Muslim refugees are converting to Christianity.

[skr]

For the ones who are sincere, hallelujah!

For those who are intentionally deceiving, woe be unto them.

[Gene Eric]

Welcome to the promise Christ. Much better than killing your sister.

[Gay State Conservative]

Great news.Once intelligent,thoughtful molems achieve political and religious freedom they’re naturally drawn to Christianity.

[HLPhat]

 

"...who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time;

 

 that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them. "

 

"I HAVE SWORN UPON THE ALTAR OF GOD ETERNAL HOSTILITY TO EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY OVER THE MIND OF MAN"

--The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom
--Thomas Jefferson, 1786

https://www.google.com/webhp?#q=truth%20is%20great%20and%20will%20prevail%20if%20left%20to%20herself

 

[wbarmy]

“Something really powerful and affirming about this is that it is really moving and you don’t get that from ordinary ministry,” adds Smith. “People we are helping have a lot more respect for me as a person and a priest than the people who were already in the congregation when I came.” She sums up her own Christian stance quite simply: “Their need is greater.”

And that is what it really is all about. The people she is bringing in to become the congregation have more respect for HER as a person and a priest than her original congregation does. She is bankrupting her church so she can feel good. And whether they become Christian or not is secondary to her feelings of self worth from the refugees.

But how will the refugees feel about God once the free stuff runs out? They complained about the Mosques not helping, so I assume that if the Mosques had been helping out, they would never have darkened the door of a church.

I work in a poverty stricken church in Sierra Leone, and the people do not show up for money or free stuff, they show up to hear the Word of God preached, and the Son of God praised.

[PGR88]

I’ve heard the same elsewhere - when able to freely choose, spiritual and intellectual citizens of the mid-East, especially women, will convert in large numbers.

Once Muslim immigrants are large enough though, they can exert social pressure and threats to shut down the conversions.

They are like crabs in a barrel - pulling down any who attempt to leave.

[elpadre]

Converting Muslims to Christianity is the way to eventual world peace. Those who don’t convert must cease to exist or war and evil remains.

[elpadre]

Converting Muslims to Christianity is the way to eventual world peace. Those who don’t convert must cease to exist or war and evil remains.

[elpadre]

Converting Muslims to Christianity is the way to eventual world peace. Those who don’t convert must cease to exist or war and evil remains.

[elpadre]

Converting Muslims to Christianity is the way to eventual world peace. Those who don’t convert must cease to exist or war and evil remains.

[elpadre]

sorry about the multiple posts - this machine has gotten very sensitive and crazy.

[stockpirate]

I am so looking forward to them chopping his head off, hopefully on live TV

[The_Media_never_lie]

Why am I skeptical?

[drop 50 and fire for effect]

The headline is misleading, they are not welcoming Muslims, they are helping people find Christ. Regardless, they are doing good work, one soul at a time.

[I want the USA back]

Converting to Christianity is good. That way they reject the subhuman death cult.

[hal ogen]

How do you really know they have converted? What about their taquia?

[polymuser]

Yep, we’d like to believe in conversion, but it’s tough to do so with their taqiyya rule. I do not trust them.

[The Great RJ]

Muslims who convert to Christianity do so at their peril. Apostates to Islam are to be killed according to the tenets of a the “religion of peace”,