I am a minister - from a religion that proudly counts Humanists, Pagans, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Atheists and others among our number. We also host a lot of concerts.

I do understand why some people feel they cannot go into a church. For some, churches of any kind are inextricably associated with very painful childhood memories - perhaps of repression, or abuse, or anti-intellectualism. That might have taken place within a church, or it might have been visited upon non-church members by the dominant local religion. Most people and communities aren't like this, but some are. And feelings associated with childhood are very powerful.

I do not agree that attending an event that uses church space constitutes supporting that church, but I do understand why some people have an almost post-traumatic response to anything associated with religion. I don't know if that's Bob's issue, and I wouldn't presume to ask, but I certainly respect his decision not to go into a church - whatever his reasons.

That said, everybody has an issue with something. I would suggest that there are far more people out there who feel they cannot enter a bar, because they are recovering alcoholics or children of alcoholics, or have their own set of traumatic memories. (Or, for that matter, their religion tells them not to.)

I hope both bars and churches will continue to host music. Each fills a niche. Churches are especially important, because there just aren't that many large rooms out there with built in seating, good acoustics and cheap rent!

And I hope churches will continue to make their space available for the arts, community events, and social justice causes. Goodness knows the people need all the help we can get.

Dan