Heated discussions in RCIA?

canary11

Hey ladies, Just began RCIA a couple weeks ago, so I have only been to 2 classes. My FI has been going with me, as he is catholic, and would like to re-learn much of the teachings. There is an older woman in the class with very black/white, rigid political views who has managed to bring up politics in both classes. It really bothers me, but I am able to keep my snapper shut. It really, really bothers FI, and he will always enter a political discussion/debate. So, there was some arguing/debating amongst half of the class last night. In order to smooth things over, somewhat, FI said, "I always vote for the Pope", and the discussion ended. We all know that the pope is not really on the ballot. Also, the deacon has made comments that seem politically ignorant. FI has not said anything to him, but he leaves RCIA feeling really irritated. And, to be honest, I feel irritated, too. I know that the church is not supposed to tell us how to vote, but it sure seems like they do sometimes, in so many words. Did you encounter these types of discussions in RCIA? I feel like they are important, but I doubt that RCIA should be the time and place. I feel like they distract from the biblical material. If you had discussions like this in RCIA- did they occur often? What did you do? Did you participate?

shortycole2

we never had debates or talked politics in our RCIA. Abortion and the church's view on it was as far as we got, and it wasn't up for discussion, it was just "this is what the church says" and move on to new topic.I would have done RCIA at a different church is what is going on at yours had happened at mine. You should feel comfortable and safe in your classes.

ootmother2

"I always vote for the Pope"haha, that's cuteHonestly, I would leave and arrange RICA elsewhere.  The deacon is out of line discussing politics in that situation.

camarogirlj

Wow - that is exactly what I was afraid would happen in RCIA, but luckily we haven't had those issues. They just tell us what the church says about certain issues and move on. If you have the time I would really consider looking to a different church or discussing your concerns with the director of your program if you're comfortable doing so. I hope things improve for you

JaimeeP

Could you let your Pastor know what is going on at RCIA? The Deacon should not be using his position as instructor to further his personal political agenda.

clearheavens

I agree, the Church has no political stance, and it should not be a topic at RCIA.  Bring it up to the priest and then also go to another RCIA.  Having a solid RCIA program is essential to your Christian formation.

ffmaid

I have sponsored two friends in RCIA in two different parishes over 5 years apart. This has come up once or twice in each session. In both cases the priest has said something to the effect of "politics is the secular world and we are here to discuss the religious world and the word of god lets focus on that" and this has made the discussions drop. Perhaps you shoudl talk to the deacon privately and request that he do something like this if the issues come up again

canary11

I don't know what I am going to do. I am nervous for the next class. I don't want to switch churches, this is the parish we attend and we want to make more friends. One of the fathers has sat in on our classes and he has never spoken up. Tell me, am I being over-sensitive? Here are some of the comments: deacon: " who cares about saving the whales when the people who are saving the whales are killing babies" deacon: " it is wrong to be so "green" that your hurting others, such as if you want to build an all-green house. If you build that house, it will cost your contractors more money and they wont have enough food for their families" (that makes NO sense, btw) here's a dialogue from class 2: a lady asked, "why are so many catholics pro-abortion?" teacher (this was not the deacon): "what makes you think that?" lady: "they vote that way" then a heated debate happened where topics such as birth control, abortion, capital punishment, and political parties ensued. I couldnt keep track of the conversation b/c so many people were talking at once. this is frustrating. its really taking away from the material.

girllennon

When I did my RCIA classes last year and into this year, we never brought up politics. One person did attempt it at one time, but the deacon clearly told him that this was not the place to do it (however relevant to the teaching). We only discussed spiritual and religious topics since a many of the participants were there to learn or relearn after being away from the religion for so long.

Licia&Wayne

This seems way out of line for RCIA. I understand wanting to talk about current events and things of that nature to make the lessons relevant, but throwing out political judgment is totally inappropriate.You're there to learn, not to be offended. If you have a chance, I would talk to the pastor about how uncomfortable you and your fiance are feeling in the classes. He should definitely be made aware that RCIA is not welcoming and certainly does not seem to be the wonderful learning experience it's supposed to be.You're supposed to deepen in faith, not rage! Man, I'm getting a little hissy just reading this. I would most definitely talk to your pastor and then make arrangements to go elsewhere. Good luck and God bless!

JaimeeP

Canary11, Your reasons for wanting to remain in this RCIA group are valid. This is your parish and you want to be an active part of it. Welcome!The point of RCIA is to present the Churches teachings about the sacraments and then to support you in a self examination of your faith and your relationship with God.You are not being over sensitive. To present the idea that saving the whales (or whatever) is somehow opposed to the churches stand on abortion is just plain nonsense. The same goes for the other examples you sited. The deacon sounds like an opinionated bully. Hopefully, the priest spoke privately to the deacon about the way he handled that session. Good luck to you.

PolarBearFans

The things you mention that the deacon say are inappropriate, and in my opinion don't agree with church teachings. I understand you want to go through RCIA there since it is your church, and you want to make friends, but i really think you should looking into another church for RCIA and then make friends through social events at the church or join a committee. The political conversations are distracting and not aiding your journey. In my class we were told politics were not open for discussion. We were also told that controversial topics would be discussed and that we would learn the churches stance and that we would be debating them.

kmg977

I am currently going through RCIA and politics have never been mentioned, and if they did I would feel extremely uncomfortable.  I understand that you do not want to switch church's and I dont blame you, however you are NOT being too sensitive, that's not how your RCIA experience should go at all, and I would say talk to someone who can step in and make sure the deacon stays more on track.  If you wanted a political science class you could enroll at the nearest college and take one, RCIA is about growing in your faith, and making a huge decision.  Good luck, I hope it gets better for you!

Ferdy2584

The only thing that every got REALLY heated was a conversation about Children/Abortion/Birthrights....It was UGLY

PolarBearFans

oops, in my previous post it should say we would NOT be debating... big oops lol. the group leading the RCIA kept things on topic, and if things were getting heated, they would stear the conversation back on track. we were not allowed to argue or discuss politics except to state the churches stance on certain issues and that a statement was issued from the vatican that we should lead a more "green" life and take care of the earth.

Precious_Kitty

Hi Canary, 2 points I must make in response to your post; 1. RCIA is meant to help you receive your sacraments. It's to learn about Christ and develop a strong relationship with Him personally as well as in your relationship with your FI. Don't let it become a political debate, even if that means being bold enough to say "I thought I was coming here for my sacraments, not a political science class..". The leader of my RCIA group has mentioned plenty of controversial issues, but always mentions "The Church believes..." and "As Christians, we are supposed to believe...". The few times she was challenged (politely, not in a rude way), she was always ready to answer in a controlled yet passionate way. She never lost her cool or let anyone get too riled up, not that anyone really acted that way.2. I always feel great when I go to RCIA; even if I had a rotten day, or had some issues with people that were still on my mind, once I got there I could really let go of it and get centered. I always leave feeling peaceful and inspired.I realize that I am very fortunate that I found this RCIA group and that I am part of a wonderful church community. A previous attempt I made at joining RCIA at a different parish was not a good environment. I went for about a month or so, and there were a few things that I didn't like about it (taught by only 1 person, who was a relatively recent convert. Plus it felt more like a course than a sacrament preparation). But probably the main reasons I didn't stick it out there was that it was like pulling teeth to get the other candidates to talk & some didn't even care to really learn anything.I think you should either bring up your concerns with your priest (the 1 performing your wedding) and tactfully refocus the group on the real purpose of RCIA, or go to another church. If you talk to your priest or whoever is leading the class, just be honest and maybe they will realize that there is a risk of losing people that are interested in RCIA. Good luck and God Bless  

canary11

Wow, thanks for all of your responses. I went to RCIA on Wednesday and it went well, no politics, really. That older lady is going to have to just be tolerated. She actually made a very racist comment in class, Wednesday. I was shocked. As for the class, I feel a bit of a struggle. It reminds me of 9th grade history or something. The only time that the other classmates interact are when there is some sort of debate. I'm not really making friends, but I am not a very outgoing person, either. I am amazed because I am one of the only persons who asks questions. I wonder if everyone else has done lots of research or something. I am going to keep trying. I am praying that I can understand, focus, and feel a change in heart. The idea of conversion is often very scary. I emailed our priest. We'd like to take him to dinner and get to know him better. I would also like to discuss conversion and RCIA with him. I emailed him a couple days ago and he's not written back, yet. So, I wait...

mcdol3

I've been in RCIA for just over a year now. Next April I'll be confirmed.I can't say we've had any political discussion in my classes, but we did have one heated one about divorce.One of the women in my class is married to a man who had a previous marriage. In order for the Church to recognize her marriage to him, he needs to have the previous marriage annulled through the Church. (he had the divorce, but not the annulment) She was really mad about him having to go through the annullment process and the past it was digging up. She argued with the Priest about it for 30 minutes, which actually ended up being 15 minutes after the class ended. The rest of the class was sitting there wishing she would just settle down and discuss it privately, since her discussion didn't exactly affect anyone else. It was a personal issue, and although we should all feel safe to express our personal views in class, there comes a point where you should take them privately.I'm sorry you're having such trouble in your classes. There's always one person (or two) that seem to ruin it for everyone. Kudos to you FI for going with you! Mine doesn't. I manage to get him to church a couple weekends a month, but that's about it.

rdixon2005

I am glad that RCIA went better for you, but totally appalled by what I am hearing is going on in that program there. I went through RCIA in 2006 and have been an RCIA sponsor ever since. We love the program because it is designed to teach people about the Catholic faith, what we TRULY believe and help each individual find their spirituality. I would talk to the pastor of your church, in private about what is happening. The church will give suggestions about politics, why some bill or candidate goes against church law. A responsible priest or deacon will give you facts, but in the end my experience with the church is that nothing is black and white and you have to use your conscience to make the right decision. If you FI feels really uncomfortable maybe he should say something in class to that affect. "I appreciate your opinion but I do not know how your political beliefs are going to help us better understand our faith"I know that doing something like that is SOOO much easier said than done. We will keep you and your FI in our prayers while you prepare for all of your sacraments.  Would you mind telling me where you go to church at. We know a lot of priest and maybe their might be something that we can do to help.