Churches should open doors

Several years ago, I was walking through downtown Spokane late at night during a particularly cold snap just before winter. It was in the lower single digits, and numerous homeless people were desperately trying to find shelter.

But, as a Christian, what really got me riled was the fact that every single one of those big Old-World style churches downtown were shut tight. I thought, “What’s wrong with this picture?” Shouldn’t every one of those churches have their doors wide open to welcome the homeless in so they can get warmed up or stay the night? I mean, really, how much would it take to set up several cots and blankets, and maybe offer some hot soup? I’m sure there are many parishioners who would love to volunteer for such a project.

Isn’t this what the original Christian church was about: helping the poor and saving souls? Are they not there to minister to the poor? Afraid they might steal something or make a mess?

You clean it up. You are in the service of the Lord, and you are not above the homeless.

Shame on you, downtown Spokane churches. I hope to see some changes this winter.

Kathy Evans

Coeur d’Alene