Yesterday, I told you that St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church was going to respond to an eminent domain threat from Bethlehem Parking Authority with prayer. It worked. After an emergency meeting of the parking authority yesterday afternoon, Executive Director Steven Fernstrom penned a letter to the church, advising that "[t]he Bethlehem Parking Authority will not stand in the way of the church's sale."
St. John's Windish plans to sell three churches and a large parking lot to Lehigh University, and use the proceeds for one new church.
Bethlehem Parking Authority, which does have a lease for a portion of this parking lot, indicated that its sole concern is the availability of parking "to avoid saturating an already stressed parking system."
It appears that Bethlehem's bid to turn the parking lot or the churches into homeless shelters or affordable housing is no longer being considered.
Good news. It's embarrassing when you get called on your authoritarianism in defense of your religious bigotry.
ReplyDelete"It's embarrassing when you get called on your authoritarianism in defense of your religious bigotry."
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell does that even mean?
A prayer as well as people like you, Bernie. Thank you for your reporting on such a corrupt situation.
ReplyDeleteYay! An elitist church wages war against the poor, so they pray to their imaginary friend from the sky, and he grants them a win.
ReplyDeleteYay!
The Kingdom is near. It is time to repent.
ReplyDeleteGreat ediroal commentary in today’s Morning Call by Carol Dean Henn that describes the government entity we have elected in our city. Well done!! I don’t think this is over as this administration is vindictive.
ReplyDeleteDid someone take his ball and go home
DeleteAs a Lehigh Alumni and St John's Lutheran Windish member we are glad to hear that Lehigh University will purchase the properties. They bid fairly and played by the rules of bidding while presenting their offer to the three churches. Lehigh will stand by the Southside of Bethlehem--the community will benefit from a peaceful fair sale.Heceforth remember the three churches need to heal from losing their church -sadness and sorrow and healing has to take place for the church congregations putting their needs first during this church blending process. GEM
ReplyDeleteIf you think lehigh would stand with the Southside or work with the Southside you haven't paid attention to the history of the Southside. Even if you went to church at st. John's.
DeleteThe real shame in all this is the realization that Religion as we know know it and worship is on its way out. Less and less people go to church. When you have a community that no longer believes in God and the Bible and the ten commandments, we will have a lawless community. If you no longer fear the rath of God you will experience crime like never before. We need the churches.
ReplyDeleteReynolds is fuming and did not want to back off but his advisors and lawyers finally convinced him he was in legal jeopardy with threatening to use city departments against anyone who bid against the city.
ReplyDeletePlease respect the voting process that will take place shortly concerning the merger of the three blended churches. Please standby the decision the churches make because the churches have always stood behind the Bethlehem communities. GEM
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are truly sad today that St John's Lutheran Windish Church is passing their keys to a new owner. Our family have been members from the start--with my grandmother sailing across the Atlantic from Slovenia to start a new life in Bethlehem to our family being lifetime members. Celebrating marriages, births, baptisms,confirmations to funerals. Memories that will always be in our hearts--thankyou St John's Lutheran Windish Church -- God bless... GEM
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