beaconchurches

We have been approached by a cell phone service about installing a station within our steeple. I know this has become a trend in the industry to avoid objections to the appearance of the towers. I am wondering if any of you have had experience with this process. The monthly rent would more than deal with the rising cost of heating in the frigid winters in Maine (we expect a doubling of the cost this year.) but some concerns have been expressed, including the fact that those with web access through their cell phones could use the service to access porn sites. On the other hand, the cell company does not produce or promote such sites. Would appreciate your feedback.

Dennis Reeves in the cold northeast.

Contact Lee Hamby at First Baptist Church of Alhambra (CA) - 626-570-1511. He has lots of experience with this over the past few years.

Dennis -

I would check with your local United Methodist Church; perhaps their conference has some experience in dealing with this issue, and has written up some policies/guidelines that would be a helpful model for you.

<>< Ron Troup

Thanks for the input. I have emailed Lee Hamby and I'll check with the Methodists. One person has raised the question of the provision on internet access and the fact that people could use the service to connect to pornographic websites. I feel that it is like the government providing our highway system, you can drive to a porn shop or to church, the highway is neutral. Thoughts anyone?

Dennis of the North.

I agree Dennis. The highway is neutral. You would be putting up the cell tower to provide funds for heating and to provide a service to the community. There are lots of things and ways in which people can access porn. In the old days before the internet, it was sold on the convenience store shelves and came through the mail. Some Christians chose not to frequent gas stations at those convenience stores and some chose to ignore what was on the shelf for a better price in gas.

I would discuss the issue with your congregation at as full a business meeting as possible but I would also note that anyone with in the congregation with internet capabilities on their cell phone or internet in their homes (including all who frequent here) have, in theory, acess to porn. Should we then be like some in this country and ban the internet from out homes and places of business altogether??

Just a few thoughts.