Controversy involving a church that opposes same-sex marriage and uses a school district’s performing arts center apparently has led the Austin, Texas, school district to reconsider its policies on facility rentals.
Celebration Church, a Georgetown, Texas, congregation, rents the district’s performing arts center to use for the worship services by one of its campuses. But the congregation’s affirmation of marriage as defined by Scripture sparked protests outside Sunday morning service in late August by two gay rights groups, Stonewall Militant Front-ATX and AZAAD Austin. Members of the groups chanted and waved gay pride flags and signs, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Austin Independent School District now is considering changing the rental policy, an action that would result in the congregation being booted. Officials claim it is not in reaction to the protests.
“With the [performing arts center], we want to ensure we are keeping it open for students and schools and not eliminating their opportunity to utilize it,” district chief of staff Jacob Reach told the newspaper. “There’s also a lot of wear and tear involved, and [we’re] making sure we keep that building in good shape. We have custodial staff that actually go in there and clean. When we have events every night, it’s just not possible for them to do that. It’s the same with our other…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.