Advocacy Canada is calling out what it says is hypocrisy between the Rotary Centre for the Arts’ (RCA) stated views on inclusivity and who they allow to rent their space.
The local chapter of the national organization dedicated to advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights has released a letter that urges the Kelowna performing arts centre to be more clear on its policies.
The concern is over Praxis Church renting the RCA for weekly events, something Advocacy Canada says goes against the venue’s mission statement.
“The RCA has a long history of being a vibrant hub for the arts,” said Wilbur Turner, president of Advocacy Canada. “We believe the RCA can further strengthen its commitment to inclusion by developing clear policies and practices that promote a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”
Advocacy Canada says it does not advocate for censorship of private organizations, but the Praxis Church website does express views that contradict the RCA’s commitment to inclusivity.
Turner points to the church’s membership book, which claims homosexuality constitutes a “violation of God’s intention for marriage and sexuality as laid out in the Holy Bible.”
“We do not condone same sex marriage or homosexual lifestyles,” it states.
Darrien McWatters, vice-president of Advocacy Canada, points to the ‘beliefs’ section of the website, which has a similar message about same-sex couples and marriage.
“All churches are not alike, and neither are all churches practising Christianity,” she told KelownaNow. “For example, the United Church of Canada is a very inclusive church.”
In an emailed statement to KelownaNow, Praxis Church pastor Joshua Dool pointed to what he considers to be irony in Advocacy Canada’s letter.
“A landlord can't kick a tenant out for a hypothetical potential that they might damage a suite, but that's precisely what Advocacy Canada is seeking to do, while not even being the landlord,” he said.
“While claiming that the RCA is acting out of line with their organizational values, Advocacy Canada's is ironically not fulfilling their own organizational mission statement, which says that 'together, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.’”
He added that the RCA is “an amazing space that is welcoming to all,” and the church hopes it can continue to be a venue that’s open to everyone, including the Christian church.
“Praxis Church holds to the historical orthodox beliefs of the Christian faith, and seeks to be a place where everyone is welcomed and finds a community from which they can wrestle through what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus,” Dool explained.
Advocacy Canada is calling on the RCA to uphold its mission and values by implementing policies and practices that ensure a “truly safe and welcoming space” for all visitors.
In the open letter published online, they provide a more in depth look into their concerns and urge community members to add their name in support.
“The arts flourish when all voices are heard and respected,” Turner added. “By implementing clear policies and practices, the RCA can ensure it continues to be a welcoming space for all members of our diverse community.”
KelownaNow has reached out to the RCA for comment.
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