Christian FIRST Group

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

I doubt the RCU was formed to encourage me to turn female. Nor do I think Ed's proposed African-American group would expect me to convert. But Christians in FIRST holding services next to the field would be an affront to my chunk of diversity.

This is a great point.

We are bound together, being brothers and sisters in FIRST. While we have this bond, we are also diverse. For many, this may be the first time they interact closely with people in a different religion, race or culture.

Obviously, we must repect each other and these differing beliefs. I think that this diversity within FIRST combined with the bond that keeps up passionate about the support and growth of FIRST is one of the important things that keeps this program strong.

I suggest that we continue to support this diversity, as we learn to be better people through this process. At the same time, we should not expect to convert people to become what they are not. We can just communicate the efforts of these organizations, and people can choose to seek more information if they wish.

A good example of this sort of support and communication happened in 2005 when the Jewish Seder was promoted in Atlanta. This effort was done in a non-threatening and mature way, and many people participated.

While we discuss this stuff, let's keep our heads on straight. Open your eyes and look around you. Let's celebrate our common goal while accepting our differences.

Andy Baker