Salvos apologise to Muslim group over snub

[Violet_Crumble]

IT WAS supposed to be a relaxing holiday camp where Muslim school boys from western Sydney could play sport, listen to motivational speakers and hang out.

But after Bilal El-Hayek, a youth co-ordinator with the Lebanese Muslim Association, made a tentative booking and sent a $400 deposit for a camp at the Collaroy Centre, he was told the Salvation Army-owned venue could not accept the booking.

The only acceptable guests were those who practised Christianity, a staff member allegedly told him.

''I told her we don't want to preach any religion. This is just a group of young people coming to have fun,'' Mr El-Hayek said. ''I was very disappointed. This is discrimination.''

The Salvation Army yesterday apologised and invited the Lebanese Muslim Association to rebook. The Salvation Army's head of communications, Major Bruce Harmer, said the incident was due to a ''misunderstanding''.

A condition on the centre's booking form states that the Salvation Army can cancel any booking should a group's use of the facilities be ''inconsistent with Salvation Army beliefs or purposes''. This point was open to misinterpretation by staff, Major Harmer said in a statement.

''We are currently addressing this situation,'' he said. ''The Salvation Army welcomes people of all faiths and denominations to enjoy the facilities of the Collaroy Centre.''

http://m.smh.com.au/nsw/salvos-apologise-to-muslim-group-over-snub-20120116-1q3a2.html

[harun]

1. Good to see their leadership corrected the problem

"The only acceptable guests were those who practised Christianity"

That answer isn't going to fly.

[Alameda]

2. However, on examination their mission is to spread Christianity...........

Not going to get many converts that way....

"The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-local/About-us

I don't have a problem with their wanting to spread a positive message, share their religion. I do object to the exclusion of any who don't share their ideas. It reminds me of the Conquistadors who "converted" the Indians in the Americas.

I have always liked The Salvation Army in general. The thrift stores they run are great. They have a lot of services that are wonderful, but to not allow others to join in activities is not good news. I'll have to rethink my donation policy. In the past I've donated my used and still usable items to them, as well as shopped in their stores.