I WAS recently at an event where I was firmly evicted from my chosen seat by an official, using the word: 'OUT'.
Am I a layabout, a vandal or a criminal? No, I am a war widow in my 60s and, along with my partner, was accompanying a friend who is in her 80s at a local funeral.
My crime? I sat in the wrong pews i.e. at the rear of the family side of the church, instead of the friends' side! Is it any wonder that the congregations in our local churches are dwindling?
I have since complained to the man about his extremely rude manner and he did apologise, but I find it very sad that either move was necessary, especially in a church which is our symbol of peace and tranquility, not conflict. Is this yet another deterioration in standards in our modern day 'anything goes' society?
During my Sunday School days we were taught that, as Christians, we should practice compassion, courtesy and respect towards others and of course, the passage from Hebrews 13, 'Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares'. – Name and address supplied.