[tri-med] Re: Emmanuel's Foundation - A Cornerstone Support Community

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kaufman, Faye" <fkaufman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>



> How can something be "Christian based" and provide support to "non
> Christians?

My feeling about such groups is that they CAN provide info and support BUT 
you have to be willing to listen to/receive the group/person's religious 
doctrine/thoughts/beliefs as well.

Personally I avoid groups that right off the bat proclaim themselves as 
'religious based'. I've had groups want to have me as an online reference 
for t-14 but I won't if it's a religious site. I'll allow my name to be 
given on an 'as needed' basis for t-14 contact for that group but that's it.

Religious groups also tend to be pro-life so that immediately excludes 
anyone of a pro-choice belief from using that site if they don't want to be 
beaten up verbally.
While the majority of participants on such a site would perhaps be tolerant 
you will always  have the few that make it their mission to 'spread the 
word' and beliefs of their faith and condemn those who don't follow with 
them.

Also, many of those of other religious beliefs (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, 
atheist, agnostic, etc) are going to be put off if it's a "Christian" site. 
They have their own faith and/or beliefs and possibly aren't going to be 
happy to be receiving frequent references of other religions when what they 
want is trisomy support/info.

Most people looking for support or info are looking for just that. Adding 
other 'requirements' or sub-context to the group makes it less viable to the 
general population that could use the help.

For those of the same mind though it's probably a great thing to find others 
'just like them'. And if you KNOW going in that a site has this sub-context 
than you are in the position of deciding if it's for you.

My feeling is that those who set up sites that are somewhat exclusionary do 
so on purpose as they have a further agenda to spread.
It may be a basically innocent intent but there is some other 'meaning' that 
they are trying to promote. Otherwise it would be just a group with no other 
parameters than for info and support--open to one and all with no underlying 
message.

Just my opinion!

Michelle mom to Alex (19, partial trisomy 14 mosaic) and Molly (16)
MichiganUSA 


                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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