[Gocamino] USA Confraternity - OK to mention God?

[Steve and Cathy Soud]

I, too, have noted the anti-religious (or non-religious) postings on  
some of the pilgrim forums.  About 6 months ago I had quite an  
exchange with some folks who wanted to call themselves pilgrims but  
denied any religious aspect to walking the Camino.  I respectfully  
suggested that a pilgrim is, by definition, some on a religious/ 
spiritual/sacred journey; otherwise it's just a hike.  As you  
suggest, Richard, that doesn't mean they shouldn't go on the Camino,  
but it does mean that we misuse language by calling someone a pilgrim  
who has no sense of a sacred purpose to the walk.

Best,

Steve


On Oct 1, 2007, at 1:03 PM, Richard Ferguson wrote:

> For some reason, mentioning God seems to be offensive to some people,
> in the USA and other places.  I notice that especially on internet
> forums, where it is not politically correct to refer to religion or
> God.  Certainly there have been several popular books published
> recently attacking religion.
>
> This was pointed out to me very vividly when I attended the pilgrim's
> gathering in Boulder.  Reading the internet groups, it seemed that
> religion was taboo, and hardly mentioned.  But at the gathering,
> nonsectarian praying was part of the agenda.
>
> No, I don't understand the absence of God and religion from the
> Camino internet forums, especially since the Camino is to a religious
> destination and has a religious history.
>
> I don't mean to imply that people who are not religious should not
> participate in groups, or go on pilgrimage.  I only beg a bit of
> tolerance on the part of people who are not believers or not
> religious.   Please don't bite off the heads of anyone who mentions
> God or religion, and try to refrain from attacks on the Catholic
> Church.
>
> My two cents.
>
> Richard
>
>
>
>> Hi Jim,
>> "American Pilgrims on the Camino" is an non-profit association
>> formed in San Francisco, I believe, for the purposes of providing
>> information about the Camino, and support to past and potential
>> pilgrims.? But it is not a Santiago Confraternity.
>> To become a Confraternity an association must apply for recognition
>> by the Archconfraternity in Santiago; such recognition requires
>> adherence to the rules established many years ago which
>> include?counselar support by a priest and recognition by a Bishop?in
>> the area where the Confraternity would be established. Once
>> recognized, (the process may take years), a Confraternity becomes a
>> member of the universal family of confraternities centered at the
>> Archconfraternity in Santiago. Their activities, facilities,
>> communication means and voice in the shaping of Camino actual
>> maintenance and future plans are far too numerous to be cited
>> here.... but, I think, they are wonderful.? I have never, ever,
>> heard of a Confraternity that has not felt that the requirements of
>> becoming one have not been worth it.
>> The Catholic population in the United States is now larger than the
>> entire population of Italy.? The Catholic members in the U.S.
>> Congress form, by far, the largest identifiable group.? Five of the
>> nine U.S. Supreme Court judges are Catholic.... yet, there seems to
>> be some "political correctness" resistance to forming a
>> Confraternity in the U.S. because of its Catholic connotation
>> (whereas, in fact, they are pretty ecumenical and do not, in the
>> least proselytize) even although the largest number of Santiago
>> pilgrims from the American continent, by far, are from the USA.
>> It sure beats me!
>> I hope this answers your question somewhat.
>> Hugs!
>> Rosina
>>
>
> -- 
> http://www.fergusonsculpture.com
> Sculptures in copper and other metals
> _______________________________________________
> Gocamino mailing list
> Gocamino at oakapple.net
> http://mailman.oakapple.net/mailman/listinfo/gocamino