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(I would like to take a moment to thank Amy, Ihurttoo, for making such a valiant attempt to moderate this very controversial discussion area of the ICN message boards. My decision to close this board has nothing to do with Amy nor do I want anyone to assume that her actions led to this decision. Religious debates have always been difficult, always challenging and I finally decided that it was creating too much antipathy for all concerned. Thank you Amy for doing such a great job in such a difficult area. You offered hope and comfort to many many patients and your efforts will be missed. - Jill )
A little history. The ICN was the first support organization to offer small support groups for patients to gather with others of their same faith. Thus, many years ago, we had a christian IC support group, jewish, etc. etc. We learned, however, that religious discussions almost always became heated and created conflict. After 9/11, we had to suspend all religious boards because of the acrimony that occurred. We did create, however, a religious neutral board... our spirituality board. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be working now.
I need to remind everyone that the ICN is not a religious support group. We are an IC support group that welcomes ALL religions and faiths. Whether a patient is christian, buddhist, jewish, agnostic, atheist or muslim, the ICN welcomes all patients in need.
I am heartbroken to learn that a few patients on this board have communicated to other patients that "if they didn't convert to their religion" they would go to hell.. or that they would be better if they accepted "jesus." This is absolutely unacceptable. Worse, some have said that if they weren't of a specific faith, they weren't welcome on the ICN. THAT IS NOT TRUE!!! I founded the ICN. I determine who is welcome here.
Thus.... I remind each one of you again... that we are SISTERS and BROTHERS in IC. We are here to support our struggles with this humbling condition. We are NOT here to judge others based upon their faith.
If you receive any communication that criticizes or condemns you based upon your religious faith, I want you to forward that to me immediately via PM. This is NOT acceptable for our community and I am putting a stop to it today.
If you have any comments, ideas or suggestions, please PM me. I need your ideas!
Jill
A little history. The ICN was the first support organization to offer small support groups for patients to gather with others of their same faith. Thus, many years ago, we had a christian IC support group, jewish, etc. etc. We learned, however, that religious discussions almost always became heated and created conflict. After 9/11, we had to suspend all religious boards because of the acrimony that occurred. We did create, however, a religious neutral board... our spirituality board. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be working now.
I need to remind everyone that the ICN is not a religious support group. We are an IC support group that welcomes ALL religions and faiths. Whether a patient is christian, buddhist, jewish, agnostic, atheist or muslim, the ICN welcomes all patients in need.
I am heartbroken to learn that a few patients on this board have communicated to other patients that "if they didn't convert to their religion" they would go to hell.. or that they would be better if they accepted "jesus." This is absolutely unacceptable. Worse, some have said that if they weren't of a specific faith, they weren't welcome on the ICN. THAT IS NOT TRUE!!! I founded the ICN. I determine who is welcome here.
Thus.... I remind each one of you again... that we are SISTERS and BROTHERS in IC. We are here to support our struggles with this humbling condition. We are NOT here to judge others based upon their faith.
If you receive any communication that criticizes or condemns you based upon your religious faith, I want you to forward that to me immediately via PM. This is NOT acceptable for our community and I am putting a stop to it today.
If you have any comments, ideas or suggestions, please PM me. I need your ideas!
Jill
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