15 Feb., 2010 - Tolerance versus Judgment

The conversation went something like this:

Rector: "Good evening, Victoria, my name is (name withheld), and I am calling from St. (-------) Parish. I am calling with regards to your booking of our church hall for the 20 February."

Victoria: "Oh, yes! That was for our women's Vision Board Retreat. I do apologize that I have not gotten back to you with regards to confirmed numbers."

Rector: "I'm actually calling to tell you that we have only just realized the 'nature of the activity' of your workshop, and I'm afraid to inform you that we can no longer hire out the space to you."

Victoria: "Wait a minute! We're only talking about a creative workshop here, attended by intelligent, well-educated career women. I don't understand where you would see a problem! I was quite specific about the women who would be attending, and I also was very specific about what our workshop would be about.  How can empowering women can be a problem for you? Could you at least be more specific?"

Rector: " I am sorry but I don't wish to enter into a debate with you. I am just calling to let you know that you will not be able to hold your event in our church hall."

After putting down the phone, I turned to Peter and said, "I can't believe that just happened! What century are we in again?".

Although I can understand that some clarity may have been needed by the rector as to what a Vision Board workshop entailed, the rector's unwillingness to enter into dialogue with me meant that neither of us had an understanding of the others' belief system.

This sadly highlighted for me the global dilemma of "Tolerance vs Judgment",  the former being based on love and understanding, while the latter is based on fear and ignorance.

Have you had a similar experience?

Please feel free to share it with us.

Victoria xx

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