Bidding on eBay on a confessional at a church undergoing renovation - described on the site as ideal for conversion into a one-person sauna or a small bar or a children's playhouse - was stopped when the archdiocese stepped in.
Spokesman Erich Leitenberger said that auctioning 'objects that were used for dispensing the sacraments is not acceptable.'
Confessionals 'should not be converted into saunas or bars,' he was quoted Tuesday as saying.
It strikes me as kind of silly to impose these sorts of restrictions especially at a time when the Church could use the money. What are they supposed to do with old sacramental items? Dump them? Burn them? Warehouse them somewhere to rot until the end of time? None of that seems particularly respectful.
I mean, Jesus didn't say one single bad word about sitting in a box full of steam or drinking. In fact, given the nature of the eucharist it seems to me that he must have been a fan of good wine.
Here's some advice from a magician - the clergy should perform a ritual to remove any lingering spiritual power that has accumulated in the object. Then they can do whatever they like with it, including selling it raise needed funds.
Reference: http://about-world-religions.blogspot.com
