Yes, what assholes. In related news, the Tories are not renting their HQ out to host the Lib Dem convention, and Arriva aren't loaning their rolling stock to Virgin Trains.

Really, Toro?

Tai Chi practioners are in direct competition with the Anglicans?

Care to show your work?

Well, it's not really my work, I'm unconvinced of the theological claim. But then, I'm neither Anglican nor in charge of that hall.

The person who is, quoted in the article, certainly thinks there's an element of competition. As such, it's his reasonable prerogative.

I don't think it could be denied that Tai Chi is not merely another metaphysically innocent equivalent to aerobics or pilates, it involves a substantial spiritual component. As such, if Anglicans conclude that it conflicts with Anglican theology - such as it is;) - it's hardly bigoted or intolerant of them not to place their resources at its disposal.

I think you've put more thought into it than the guy in charge of the hall.

I've actually heard more "spirtual" claims made for Pilates than tai chi, but that says something about where I now live.

Let's just say that I don't think a First Amendment-based challenge to such use of a public accomodation over here would have a prayer (so to speak).

But it's a church hall - isn't that a private facility? It would certainly have to be in the US...

Yes, it would be, but that wasn't the basis of my hypothetical.

You know, of course, that there are US churches that wouldn't let our kind cross the threshold for any purpose.

I don't think it could be denied that Tai Chi is not merely another metaphysically innocent equivalent to aerobics or pilates, it involves a substantial spiritual component.

Care to add more substance to "substantial." More, or less, than chocolate yoga for instance?

Tai Chi is about health and fitness — and excellent it is too, particularly for elderly people — it has less to do with religion than the FA Cup Final. To me this reads as purely parochial and xenophobic. Odd Chinese name, funny arm and leg movements with weird names. Can't be any good can it? Probably some kind of cult like them Moonies.

Depending on the meaning of "chocolate", I'd guess about the same, varying from case to case. And I don't dispute for a moment the health benefits of Tai Chi. But it is "about" - in addition to fitness - a fair number of metaphysical commitments; depending on how seriously you take them, or those of Anglicanism, there's every reason to suppose a conflict.

As to the charge of xenophobia, I'd *guess* that it's unfair in this case - remember that the class was allowed initially.

At least your football club is having a good day . . .

I'd go further. I think we can all agree that this poses a threat to the entire basis of Christian civilisation itself.

Actually, it does all look a lot of vacuous crap. And... heh heh heh... I'm not that impressed by Tai Chi either! Ta-da!

Toro: Count On It wrote:
And I don't dispute for a moment the health benefits of Tai Chi.

Looks a pretty weak evidence base, actually, based on a quick scout through what there is online. All tiny studies with shaky methodologies. At least so far.

I believe that I am the forum's half-hearted official Anglican spokesperson and I want to explain it to you.

Unlike any other religion, Anglicanism is run entirely by the ladies in the big hats who try to keep the vicar's johnsons in a box on their mantelpiece. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they don't. Don't get it into your head that the vicar is the boss though. He has to appease the big hats.

David Rhodes has obviously had a complaint from the big hats (the ones that weren't going to Tai Chi anyway) and doesn't understand enough about Tai Chi to put up a defence (if, indeed, he wanted to).

Literally, you could have a different combination of church, congregation, vicar, big hats and had a completely different decision somewhere else.

In some ways, this is a good thing to think less that some guy in a big hat has a special relationship with God. As with democracy, this can mean that decisions aren't consistent

The CofE is in such a parlous state that I am surprised they aren't taking money from anywhere.

Oh, and South Park is still shit

Oh, and South Park is still shit

Whatever grandpa.

ursus arctos wrote:
At least your football club is having a good day . . .

:)

Had to happen eventually...