Rosina Lila's Posting this morning

[Lydia Banales]

Thank you, Rosina, for responding so eloquently. I have been taken aback
twice now in just two days by some divisive postings on this list. I'm
glad this site is more than just boots and blisters, but I want to learn
more, not be put on the defensive or disrespected. I particularly relate
to your analogy about making a pilgrimage to Mecca. If I ever get to go
there, I will appreciate the history, art, and architecture. I will
respect those who go there as pilgrims but for me it would not be a
pilgimage because I do not share those beliefs. I value those who do, I
respect everyone's right to believe (or not) whatever they want.  I have
been a respectful visitor to many places but I have been a pilgrim to
Rome and to Santiago. There's a difference. All are welcome on the
Camino; some are pilgrims, some are respectful visitors. Lydia

Rosina Lila wrote:

>A dispassionate reading of my message will reveal that it says that I have
>been mystified by the seeming effort of some pilgrims to "deChristianize" the
>Camino,  certainly not by the desire of anyone  to walk it.
>I'd dearly love to be allowed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca for cultural,
>humanistic and educational purposes, but If I were ever permitted to do so I
>just cannot begin to imagine myself attempting to minimize its Islamic
>significance.
>I've been to pilgrimages to Shinto sites in Japan and Hindu  sites in India,
>but I have done so as a respectful observer grateful for the experience and
>much  moved by the religious faith of those who maintain such sites alive
>years in and years out.. I've also, in a way, shared in some way the
>spiritual rewards of such endeavors though being of a different faith; but I
>have never, in any way, sought to question or to attribute to other
>motivations the religious allure of such endeavors.
>Hopefully this will clarify the tenor of my message.
>Regards,
>Rosina
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