To the editor:
Re: "Church buying former Ford Theatre," May 10.
There used to be a time when things were clear: A church looked liked a church, and a theatre looked like a theatre, both inside and outside. Once you entered either building, you knew where you were. Now, however, like many other things, the difference between a church and a theatre has become blurred: Churches seem to be more like theatres, and theatres, apparently, can become churches.
I hope people don't automatically assume that Westside Church will stop any further productions other than its own if it purchases the Centre For Performing Arts. I have some reason to expect they will show some sensitivity to the issue and allow other organizations to use the Centre. In times past, the relationship between evangelical Christianity and the Arts was not a very positive one. Recently, that has been changing: An example of that is with Pacific Theatre, which is a Christian theatre company that produces good plays for the general public. Similarly, I expect it would be in the best interest of Westside Church to maintain the artistic character of the Centre. If they decide not to, I hope they are prepared to face the possible consequences.
Roland Derksen, Vancouver
