Posted by saturn on December 21, 2006, at 15:38:54
I don't normally like to spill my problems on babble, but would really appreciate some feedback on this one.
I am a non-Christian, but don't mind celebrating a secular type of Christmas with my family, who are Christians, as far as dinner and gifts go. But I do not feel comfortable taking place in any religous activities.
A close relative who has been there for me through thick and thin is requesting that I attend Christmas Eve church service with them. And they are laying on the guilt HEAVY, requesting my presence for "support" because two very close relatives of theirs passed away this year. There will be several other family members attending with this person, so they are not going alone.
I fear this will fracture our relationship and don't know what to do. I have politely informed this person of my views and stressed that while it is (questionably) alright to ask for my presence, that making a big deal of it beyond that is not appropriate. I have expressed total support and willingness to do anything together at anytime during the holidays except attend a church service. I would never expect someone to attend a religous ceremony which they did not believe in.
Basically it comes down to me attending a religous ceremony with which I do not agree or hurting this person by not attending. I guess either way damages the relationship.
poster:saturn
thread:715488
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20061208/msgs/715488.html