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1. This is absolutely disgraceful. The hospital chapel is where so many people go to receive solace. It is where the presence of God heals both patients and the people who love and care for them. The cross is the symbol of the Christian faith; it is there for us to meditate on and think about the one who did everything for is. If it offends anyone let them go somewhere else. Why should we as Christians not be offended by a special Muslim prayer room and then we worried if they are offended by our Christian symbols? Shame on you, RNS!

   Posted By: Penny

2. Isn't Australia changing? Not always for the better. I think this is so sad. I wonder if the Muslim countries have put crosses into their places of gathering out of respect for Christian people who are visiting? I don't think so. Why do we need to change what has been in place for so long and was built for Christians?
   However, in Christ, we join with the earth and with each other. We join together as many and diverse expressions of God's loving mystery; for the healing of the earth and the renewal of all life. Happy Easter to all.

   Posted By: Kay Holmes

3. It is an outrage to think that we withdraw our important symbols and refuse to witness our faith as Christian. To hear of what it is happening in this hospital makes me feel sad to be an Australian.

   Posted By: Giovanna Sambusida

4. We are a Christian majority country by heritage and numbers. Therefore, no offence should be claimed by others who see Christian icons and crosses. People who don't agree had a choice when they decided to immigrate here. As for local anti-Christians who are Aussie born, if you object to Christian symbols then go and move overseas to some desert kingdom. OK now.

   Posted By: Michael Webb

5. Christian Symbols removed, and Muslim Prayer Place installed. There has to be a message there!
   But we are not listening. We are in a changing world, and we refuse to accept the responsibilities that go with that change, if we are to protect what we revere as Christians.

   Posted By: Brian Fitzsimmons

6. So the symbols of of Faith offend other religions. Well their removal offends me.

   Posted By: Ivan

7. Pretty soon we will not be able to hug our children just in case it offends those who have never been loved!

   Posted By: robert carrrucan

8. What a sad, sad day for RNS chapel. If this chapel is now entirely non-denominational why a separate space for those muslims who desire to pray? Surely ONE object of christianity can be restored to its place. One that is sign of unity for all christian believers.

   Posted By: Mary

9. Welcome to whacky world! - I must apologise to the ant I inadvertently trod on this morning, and for myself, for having religious conviction - dare I say it, Catholic!
   
   Almost time for a demonstration in the capitals of every state by all Christians, if only to show how unrepresentative is this elitist secular minority that lives off the benefits of our Christian heritage, and determines increasingly what the moral and social agenda really are!
   
   How about it Chuich leaders,? How about it, people?

   Posted By: Ned

10. Well I'm offended now. I would like them put back. I am sick to death with this stupidity. I accept these people and their religion but they knew this country was mostly Christian when they came here, so please don't try to chamge me. Leave my icons in place.

    Posted By: ron hodges

11. This is yet another example of politically correct policy makers patting each other on the back with their "noble" and "edgy" idea.
    
    Australia is a Christian country. It is also an Anglo country. Whoever says that this no longer applies because of multi-culturalism is drowning in their own ideal fantasy.
    
    If that is indeed that case...why do almost all of the TV ads only ever feature Caucasians? Why do the TV shows like Farmer Wants Wife, Neighbours, Home and Away, City Homicide, Kath and Kim, The Strip, Underbelly, McLeod's Daughters, Ladette to Lady, etc, etc, etc, etc only ever contain Caucasians and Anglos? They only ever seldom have Asians or other "multicultural" people for some odd reason...
    
    So, to say the crosses, etc must be removed from a Christian chapel to cater for multiculturalism is nothing but pretentious and preposterous political correctess.

    Posted By: Joey

12. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought it was Christianity, specificallly the Catholic Church, who founded what we now know as hospitals in the first place?

    Posted By: Ingrid

13. This shows a disgusting total disregard for basic Christianity, which is the predominant belief system of Australia. Yes we should accept that there other cultures which have come here, and yes they should be allowed some space for their religion in times of stress particularly, BUT NOT at the expense of those of us who are proud of their Christian faith and heritage. I'm quite sure Australians would not expect other countries to remove their local and customary symbols just because we went there. It is to be hoped that RNS will see the error of their actions and return these sacred symbols to their rightful place.

    Posted By: Anne

14. The foundations of our society, our legal system, our hospitals, have their roots in Christianity. RNS administration is apologising for our history.

    Posted By: Kevin

15. Does anyone wonder why these stories always surface at Easter and Christmas?
    
    Does anyone ever wonder why Muslims are nearly always painted as to blame in these stories?
    
    Muslim leader Keysar Trad was on Sunrise this morning and stated that Muslims welcome the Christian traditions and have no problem with religious icons or celebrations of any type. I am yet to meet a Muslim who is offended with Christianity. Most Muslims have a lot of respect for Christians and hold Jesus in high regard.
    
    I think removing crosses and religious icons in public places is due largely to secularism. Those offended by our crosses are generally also offended by Islamic dress codes. Those who walk with God are not the enemy.
    
    Instead of blaming other religions for a purely bureaucratic decision we should be encouraging all faiths to share in God’s love and healing strength at the hospital. If the RNS were truly concerned about offending other religions they would have offered Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Hindu’s the opportunity to also display their icons.
    
    Secular atheism, not religious differences, is the greatest threat to Christian practice in Australia.
    
    LC

    Posted By: LC

16. We should be standing up for this!!
    
    While we should respect and accept all other religions, they should respect and accept ours.
    
    If they wanted a non-denominational prayer room, they should create a separate one (with all the money that they have).
    
    I am outraged by this.
    
    It is just like having people from other religions walking into a Church, since it is open to all, and saying that we should remove all symbols because they offend them.
    
    What next? Don't wear crosses on your necks because it offends people?
    
    True Muslims and followers of other morally acceptable religions are peaceful and accepting... I feel that it is not believers who caused this, but the atheists who have the positions of power.

    Posted By: Nathan

17. I am very sad to read about the changes to Chapel to non-denominational. The chapel is christian and a very sacred place for us to gather as christians for services or a quiet meditative place.

    Posted By: maureen crosswell

18. Perhaps the hospital could provide in the chapel the sacred books of the major faiths: Bible, Qur'an, Talmud, Tanakh, Hindu and Buddhist texts, for example.
    
    Also, I have visited a hospital chapel in Geelong which is completely non-denominational, a place of peace and beauty, where such sacred texts are put in a position of honour.

    Posted By: Kathleen Cudmore

19. This is a very sad day for all, not only for Christians. I'm sure it is a minority who are responsible for this decision. How can there be any hope for peace in our world if we keep stripping each other of the freedom to worship and pray in the way that helps us to know, love and feel loved by God?Let One God be our focus - let tolerance be our goal this Easter. Bring back the Christian symbols.

    Posted By: Sue

20. Do the Muslims remove burqahs and their veils? The sikhs their head coverings?? Shame on this hospital. There are many things in this world that are offensive to our cultural and spiritual values and we don't ask for them to be removed!! I suppose the nativity and Christmas decorations are also banned along with Easter symbols!! Where will all this political correctness end???? Rosemary Keenan WA

    Posted By: Rosemary Keenan

21. Why should we remove the crucifixes etc from our Chapels, for these other religions- Hindus Moslems or whoever,
    As the saying goes: "When "you're in Rome you do as Rome does"
    Come on, get real and stop bowing to others. Are we Catholics or not?
    Barry Aulich
    Tasmania

    Posted By: Barry Aulich

22. I am completely offended also.
    
    What happened to "When in Rome do as the Romans ..."
    
    Good-willed Muslims should also be outraged by such inflammatory political correctness which more often than not will work against their beliefs.
    
    I wonder if we can get the same sort of action to remove blasphemy from the media ... would there be anyone left ??

    Posted By: Chris Saidou

23. PS ... sack the RNS management and get someone who can stick to their charter...

    Posted By: Chris Saidou

24. I just can't believe that this is happening in Australia
    When I was in a muslim country I had to obey all their rules and I did because it was their country.
    Here in Australia we are letting minority groups tell us what they want us to do and our Government is going along with them.
    Some of these people come over here for a better life and who would blame them and then try a live a life they tried to leave behind.
    I find it absolutely disgraceful.
    We are are on the whole a christian country and it is time we did something about all this. Give them their prayer room by all means BUT give us back our Chapel.

    Posted By: Faye

25. I wonder who financed the chapel to begin with. In many hospitals chapels have been furnished by donations from CHRISTIANS.
    In Muslim countries, they would not bow to minority opinion and remove the symbols of their faith.
    For those who are offended by Christian symbols in a CHRISTIAN Nation - 'GET OVER IT!'

    Posted By: Pam

26. Would christians be permitted to use the separate Muslim Prayer room?Also,would the oposite situation be allowed to ocur in Saudi Arabia for instance? Personally,reading into this,I feel that this is more a case of typical anti-Christian bigotry as is occurring throughout the world.It would be interesting to know who initially ordered this action.

    Posted By: John Tobin

27. What paranoia over symbols. The only logical, intelligent, measured and Christian response I read was from LC which I wholeheartedly support.
    
    As a Catholic I have always been impressed with the great respect Muslims have for our beliefs. It is a shame we cannot seem to reciprocate rather than jump at every opportunity to demonise them yet again. I'm sure Muslims can continue to identify with the crucified Christ quite appropriately this Easter as they probably have done since 9/11.
    
    Royal North Shore, please encourage all users of your non-denominational space to come together and share their faiths as well. You may have just stumbled on the secret to world peace but just don't tell the Catholics !!

    Posted By: frederick

28. Spot On LC. There's no need for people to froth at Muslims. The enemy of course is Satan. However, he uses people to do his evil. Secularism is the main threat. Theses secularists who hate Our Lord are 'riding' on the backs' of this multicultural nonsense. I am from Africa end emigrated to N.Z. THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME THROUGHOUT THE WESTERN WORLD. It is always the secularists/Christ-haters who (invariably white'intellectuals') speak on behalf of the 'other groups'. Prime example is the condom issue. People are hopping up and down (obviously, many Catholics) to condemn Our Holy Father. How many who condemn Pope Benedict have asked the people who are most affected i.e Africans, whom they purport to support? None because they are not interested in the truth. Same tactic the homosexual lobby used by comparing themselves to slaves. Absolutely shameless! I am positive that there would have been 'Catholics' who would be only too eager to assist with removing of these crucifixes.

    Posted By: mark

29. Political correctness gone bonkers...Imagine such an action in Saudi Arabia...Not likely is it? I am so sad that we have to appease the intolerant extremists in our midst..Lets stand up for our cultural and religious values please.
    Gavin

    Posted By: Gavin O'Brien

30. Friends in Christ Peace be with you. You know this must happen, for as Christ said 'Even if the whole world come against the Church the gate of hell will not prevail.Look up and smile this means he is near in fact at the door. Pray for these misguided people.

    Posted By: john

31. This merely appeases the atheists....why not simply invite the other groups to bring their holy objects?

    Posted By: Katharine Kernan

32. OK, most seem to be outraged by this continued attack on Christian values. What will it take to channel this outrage into ACTION! It costs nothing but a few seconds of time to dash off an expression of outrage, but that accomplishes nothing. Now get up off your comfortable ass and DO SOMETHING to help turn this around. Yes, YOU. Think, use your God-given intellect to organize and FIGHT this continued chipping away at our values. Also, while you are at it, try PRAYER, among other actionable items.

    Posted By: Terence Vaught

33. I thought we were in America, we aern't allowed to have a Christian chapel? This is so twisted, welcome to socialism, thanks to Obama. Are the Muslims going to add Christian crosses, statues of the Blessed Mother and Jesus and the Saints, in their mosque, I doubt it.

    Posted By: annemarie

34. Having sent out an appalling message concerning the spiritual health of the majority religion amongst Australians, we should also remember the equally disastrous record of RNS when it comes to caring for physical health.

    Posted By: Marco Elliott

35. This is nothing more than discrimination against Christians. Australia is becoming like the rest of the workd, it's open season for bashing Christians. It's time we as Christians stand up and say enough. We will not tolerate this behaviour. We want our faith recognized above all others. I have no problem with other faiths and their beliefs, I'm sure if you go to Islamabad, you will not even be allowd to read a bible let alone practise your faith in a mosque. God have mercy on us all.

    Posted By: Greg Cwik

36. This hospital wants to take away the cross from its chapel? An institution designed to ease suffering?
    Think About It
    The cross symbolizes one of the most barbaric forms of execution in history. When we beautify it, we tend to minimize the shocking and appalling reality of all it represents.
    Take the time to reflect deliberately upon the tortuous death Jesus willingly died for you. Think about the excruciating pain and the comprehensive price that was required for your redemption. Jesus gave you His all. Can you give Him any less?
    The horror and humiliation of death on the Cross defies comprehension. Yet Jesus refused to be drugged or dulled to the agony of it. Instead, He drank the dregs of the cup He initially besought the Father to remove in Gethsemane.
    Think deeply about the hideous process of Jesus’ death and the callous indifference of the soldiers who cast lots for His clothing as He died naked before the world. As Jesus died, He forgave. He forgave those who played a part in His death; He forgave your sin, which was the very reason for His death. If Jesus could go through that degree of suffering because of your sins against the Father and then forgive you, how can you justify refusing to release in forgiveness those who have sinned against you?
    First John 3:16 (NKJV) states, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren….” What are some ways you can lay down your life for others?
    
    Jesus paid the price for your salvation, for your liberation, for your physical healing, and for your complete restoration. When the price for your forgiveness was complete, Jesus bowed His head and died. God’s justice had been fulfilled. The Old Covenant had ended, and the New Covenant had begun. It was the fulfillment of one and the beginning of another.
    
    Think of the price Jesus paid and what His death accomplished for you. Doesn’t it make you want to stop for a few minutes to thank Him for what He has done for you? Where would you be today if Jesus had not died on the Cross for you? Why don’t you take a little time right now to express your heartfelt thanksgiving to Jesus for paying the debt you never could have paid!
    
    So when out loved ones are dying or suffering, who do we turn to - JESUS CHRIST our saviour.
    
    Leave our crosses alone...

    Posted By: Greg C

37. Christ said to Peter ' Do you think I will find any faith when I return?" so the more they deny the closer the time. Note this as well that this is the week JUDAS betrayed Jesus. Come Lord Jesus, soon.

    Posted By: john

38. Although it saddens me that Jesus has been brought down to the level of pagan religions, it is also a time of joy as it is another sign that HIS coming is getting closer but before that the chastisement is to occur and, that what is perverse will be crushed i.e. people and their falseness and their pagan faiths and even Christian groups who twist the bible to suit their perverted lives. Come Chastisement Come. Amen.

    Posted By: Peter Xuereb

39. Here comes the New World Order and the One World Religion..........

    Posted By: Michael

40. Re Removal of Christian Emblems in Royal North Shore Hospital Chapel.
    
    A caller to 2GB overnight (10 April) said the same has happened at Westmead Hospital. I looked up the Westmead phone number (there is no email path) and found about 10 areas who come under Westmead.
    
    Della Bosca is a Catholic but cannot go against his bureaucrats. No spine. He can't pull anything on his own, no spine again.
    
    I'm not religious per se but have both protestant and Catholic in my heritage. They are trying to fit into to minorities by taking away the values that made our country relatively peacable and fair. That Christianity is part of what formed our values and created a decent society. Please help!

    Posted By: Jacquie Butterfield

41. These people are not afraid to insult and wound the heart of Jesus (OUR God) and Christian people. God have mercy on all of us. This is the beginning of the loss of our freedom of speach and of religon,
    It seems to me that, shorly, we will be dictated to how we can worship the God of our understanding. We need to pray for ourleaders and country before it is too late. IN God We Trust.
    

    Posted By: Rose Marie Benoit

42. I'm indeed surprised to read that an institution solely built by Christians have removed all the crucifixes and Bibles in ordeer to please the Hindus and Muslims. Will they do that? No way. If we deny Christ and His Word in order to please others, will not Christ deny us before His Father?
    Compromise is always there with Christians.Happy Easter

    Posted By: denis

43. Way to go, Royal North Shore - join the secular elitist chorus that would denude the public square of Christian iconography and fill it with vacuous atheistic voices and 'art'!
    The cross will always be an offence to self-preening secular humanist ideology.
    Thank God for Good Friday!

    Posted By: James

44. How could Christian symbols be offensive? I would not be offended by the presence of symbols of other religions for people who are looking for solace. What is next? Closing the chapel? Lord help us all.

    Posted By: Vin

45. This is the type of thing that roots hatred. Intolerance of any type is disgraceful as well as catering to certain segments. How many crucifixes are found in muslim countries? Do they not denigrate non-muslims? I want to love my neighbour as Jesus asks, but it is very difficult sometimes. However, I will continue to pray for their conversion and hope that they will allow us to practise our religion as we let them practise theirs.

    Posted By: Vin

46. Well said, LC: secular atheism is indeed the threat, not only to religion but to humanity itself, since it proceeds on a false assumption about what we are as human beings.
    
    
    Problem is, it gets such an airing in the media these days for sensationalist purposes that it appears to have greater support than it actually does.
    
    Clearing the public environment of religious images makes this ideology's work easier - I wonder when its proponentnts will start on churches themselves - or have they?

    Posted By: Ned

47. So, the Muslims get a special "prayer space", but the Christians can take a hike...is that the message here? What's the deal? Are they afraid of being beheaded or something?
    
    Same old political correctness insanity: All religions are respected, unless that religion is Christianity.

    Posted By: Phil

48. The Bureaucrats
    
    They are building the Tower of Babel
    these faceless gentlemen and gentlewomen in grey suits;
    they are presuming to dictate the discourses of the peoples . . .
    
    They would make the people 'one'
    according to their 'vision'
    according to their 'will' . . .
    
    They would make of them one 'tongue',
    they would deconstruct and reconstruct the world in the image and likeness of themselves,of their 'vision', of themselves, by their 'will' . . .
    
    They would be God,
    these gentlemen and gentlewomen in grey suits . . .
    

    Posted By: John

49. Australia is a 'christian' country and it is unbelievable that some brainless and totally out of touch nameless, faceless person can decide to strip our chapel of the symbols of our religion. Be it Catholic, CofE, Methodist or any of the other highly regarded religions. What right do they have?

    Posted By: Kerri O'Halloran

50. If the chapel was built for the Christian faith, why are we so insistent to revoke its first use and purpose?
    age:13

    Posted By: James Kelly

51. I cannot believe that no one, especially staff who are Catholic in that Hospital did not publicly defend their chapel - so once again, a Catholic place of worship is debased by the removal of all of its sacred objects for the benefit of anyone who wants to desecrate this (yes it is desecration to put Christ on a side altar or remove any reminder of him in a Christian house of prayer). You cannot try this in a mosque or synogogue - they would laugh in your faces should anyone try this in their country. Muslims are laughing at you for what you did. I am so glad that when that was tried in our Catholic hospital, I and others protested. Our chapel remains with all its sacred objects and the muslim prayer room is down the hall. I think that the priest should not say Mass in that edifice until it is returned to it rightful place as a Christian Chapel. I come from a muslim background and what you are doing is beyond anything that you can even remotely understand. You are being taken over without a drop of blood shed. There is desecration of statues and churches all around the world on a daily basis, and Christians murdered as martyrs as well. I think that if Christians do not stand up for what is their right to practise their faith in their places of worship , the time will come when you will have no places left. There should be strong protests about this right now, so that this does not spread to other places. You cannot surrrender so easily to this sign of power by another group.

    Posted By: mariam (Canada)

52. Jews have synagogues, Buddhists/Temples, Muslims/Mosques, Christians/Chapels/Churches and so on. Each with certain distinguishing features including symbols/icons etc. I had some time at RNS a number of years ago and there were then wards/floors that had been "mothballed". Rather than remove or demolish the Christian place of worship perhaps there are possibilities for utilising "unused" areas for various specific worship needs. Then again have there been specific requests from other faith groups or are they "perceived" needs coming from the "politically correct" department? So often our academic endeavours can narrow our view of things whereas the University of Life leans more towards respect and tolerance of what exists beyond our realm of beliefs and practices. From memory the Chapel at RNS was already quite austere as far as Christian symbols went.
    What next? Crucifixes/symbols removed from our Catholic/Christian hospitals and facilities in case they "offend"?

    Posted By: Sandy

53. What is wrong with the cross? Our Lord died for our sins on that cross and it is time that other religions see that he died for everyone, not just christians. It's a shame how the whole world is trying to remove God from everything. Well guess what, in the end we win so stop listening to the evil one. Guess what: I am Catholic and proud of it.

    Posted By: Dorothy

54. If people really cared and were sensitive about other people then they would insist on the "Cross" being visible in order to share what Our Good Lord asked, "Go and Preach The Good News To The Ends Of The Earth", Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, God Incarnate....everyone climbs their own ladder to heaven, but no matter what you call it, that ladder is Jesus...Go , now, and preach "The Good News", this is to love your neighbour!

    Posted By: Alba, Boston

55. God told the Israelites in the Old Testament, "If you will not serve me, then you will serve other Gods."
    
    We've departed from serving Jesus Christ. Get ready to be forced to serve Allah. It's coming soon.

    Posted By: Mary

56. Excellent suggestion, Kathleen Cudmore.
    It's a chapel in a public hospital attended by people of many faiths.
    Place on display the sacred texts of the major religions with their most sacred symbol. For Christians that symbol would be the cross.
    You've mentioned another hospital that's done it.Great idea. Shows that faiths of all kinds remain important in our community.

    Posted By: Marie H

57. "If the mystery of the Lord's passion is to be effectual in us, we must imitate what we receive and proclaim to others what we venerate.
    
    His cry finds in us a place to hide if the tongue is silent of what the mind has come to believe. But that his cry would not be hidden in us, it remains that each one of us according to his measure should make known the mystery of his being made alive."
    
    - From the commentary of Pope Gregory the Great on the Book of Job

    Posted By: Ned

58. Mary: I can't think of any Muslims among my acquaintances who'd like to see me buried, but I can think of a few secular humanists and liberal Catholics who'd like to dance on my grave!

    Posted By: James

59. I just hope that Mulism leaders are offended by the crosses on hot cross buns!
    Bah, humbug!

    Posted By: Alex Taylor

60. I would say it is an insult to the Christian faith. Why should the Christian faith always be at the receiving end? In France, something similar was done when crucifixes were taken out of the classrooms so as not to offend the Muslims. When will our Christian politicians grow up to see what is really happening? If you go to a muslim school will they take off their half circle symbol because you are a Christian? Will they allow you to practise your faith without molesting you? I would say shame to all Christian politicians who are so eager to sell their faith for a piece of wealth. Shame to all the "Judases" we have now. If they can sell their faith just to gain acceptance, they will sell Christ if he comes the second time.

    Posted By: John-mark

61. I hope if I go to a muslim country I will be able to practise my faith freely! They have got their own prayer space but we have to take down the crucifix? How sad and offensive to me. It is about time Catholics start fighting harder as our beliefs are being eroded by a liberal secular society!

    Posted By: David

62. If we are not careful, this religious argument may escalate and christians may indeed retaliate. The United States is an overwhelming CHRISTIAN based country with 70% Christian believers. Freedom of Religion simply means: Americans don't care who practises what religion here and everyone has that right... as long as they build their own place of worship and leave all the others as they are. If you are offended by Christianity... MOVE!

    Posted By: Gary Schmitt

63. Yes, be tolerant of other groups, but to obliterate all traces of our own is beyond tolerance...it is foolish, and 'lukewarm'. Christ will spit us out of his mouth.

    Posted By: Eszter

64. Muslims need a separate prayer room because they are encouraged to think they are better and more special than other human beings. Read the Qur'an as I have and you'll see what I mean.

    Posted By: Philip Saenz

65. Some people won't rest until every church is closed and every religious symbol is hidden away. This is most pleasing to the prince of darkness and must really excite him to continue his qwest to extinguish any devout worship of the true God and our Lord Jesus Christ in this world. Pray that the faith will remain strong and that the forces of evil will one day soon be vanquished in our time.
    

    Posted By: Ted

66. Welcome to our standards. Our Military Chaplains are not allowed to mention God when speaking with soldiers. Our last Government refused to allow Christians to use Christian prayers but non Christian faiths and native Spiritual Leaders are taking part in a Swiss Air Memorial Service honouring those who had lost their lives. God protect us from ourselves.

    Posted By: David from Canada

67. The Cross of Jesus will always be with us. Removing it from the chapel won't deter any Christian. Seek and ye shall find. Look a little closer and you will find a cross somewhere.

    Posted By: M.Robinson

68. Did not Christ teach "Take up your cross and come follow me?" When we are ill or traumatized which necessitates hospitalization we seek solace from the crucifix in our pain. We know for certain that Jesus' sufferings were beyond our own. When the crucifix is removed we feel truly alone in a visit to an empty chapel. Who is considering the patients in this hospital? As Mary Magdalene stated "They have taken My Lord and I do not know where they have put Him."

    Posted By: Elizabeth Finnigan

69. As our crosses get heavier, we bear being offended by those who don't believe. Give us our crucifixes, bibles and rosaries and let the others have their rooms. I prefer my church.

    Posted By: Linda

70. So, let them (every other group) build their own chapel.
    
    In fact, let them build their own hospitals. It has been said that there is a shortage of hospitals.
    
    If we were in Saudi Arabia, would they remove their religious anything because they would not want to offend us, or would we just be beheaded for even requesting?
    
    I guess that others have more respect for their gods, religions than we do; I am sure that our God will remind us of our wimping out, when we come to meet Him at our judgment.

    Posted By: Penny

71. From giving up their guns without a whimper, to an outright fear of Islam, the once vaunted, "independent and brave Aussies" are ready for diapers! What happened to you fools Down Under? Of course, we in the once great U.S.A. are only a step behind you. God help all of us.....

    Posted By: John D

72. Why did Catholic News Service leave out the following in quotes and begin with the third paragraph?
    
    "THE home of God at Royal North Shore hospital has fallen victim to a higher power - the State Government bureaucracy.
    
    The Mosman Daily has learnt that crucifixes, Bibles and all other Christian symbols are banned inside the hospital’s chapel when it is not being used for a church service."
    
    The move, ordered by senior staff, is to avoid offending Muslims, Hindus or other non-Christian believers who may want to pray in the chapel.

    Posted By: Ruth

73. What is a chapel if not a room for practising the Christian Faith? Take away Christian symbols from a chapel and you're left with a prayer room. Such prayer rooms are shared by muslims and Christians alike at airports.
    A chapel without Christian Symbols isn't a chapel.

    Posted By: Becket

74. This is another way of Moslems forcing their religious beliefs on Christians. Moslems should respect the faith of those who were there before them. Is their faith not strong enough to withstand seeing a cross or Bible?

    Posted By: Mary

75. Surely Christians are allowed to find a symbol or bible in a Chapel? This is a direct move toward secularism and your hospital will suffer for it. What is offensive about christianity? I'm darn sure the Muslims wouldnt be taking their symbols down in their homelands. Come on Australia, world leaders in some areas, show some guts. You hosted world youth day in your city, and now this. It doesn't add up. Where is your Aussie pride of the forefathers who made your country what it is today? Will you take the bells out of St Mary of the Angels? Beware of what else you may have coming by opening pandora's box. What you are doing is morally and ethically wrong and offensive to Christians. If the Muslims have a prayer room what is all the fuss about? You deserve to be seriously challenged on your dysfunctional and spiritually bereft decision.

    Posted By: helen

76. Why does it seem okay to offend Christians in order not to offend Muslims?
    It is offensive to me to see prayer carpets in supposedly non-denominational chapels, yet there are no crucifixes, Bibles or rosaries because they are considered offensive to Muslims.
    This is not non denominational, it is anti-Christian and especially anti-Catholic.
    May God have mercy on all of us/

    Posted By: Juanita Dorner

77. "But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven." (Matt.10: 33). This act is not only an insult to the Christian Faith but I believe it is also an insult to those whom we are trying so hard not to offend. I believe we all admire those who stand for what we believe to be the Truth, and this includes Christians and Non Christians alike.

    Posted By: Catherine Moore

78. So what's next? Banning hospital Chaplains? There is a hidden agenda here to pit Christians against Muslims.And it looks as though they have succeeded.Ned's right.Let us protest! The sacrifices of the men and women who contributed to the building of the hospital must be vindicated.

    Posted By: M.M.

79. I am a hospital chaplain in the UK. It is appropriate to cater for the spiritual and religious needs of all patients, relatives and staff. However, we cannot do this by stripping everything we already have down to a common nothingness. We should surely be serious about valuing diversity while reflecting the needs of the population. More than 70% of people in the UK self-identified as Christian in the last census. In my hospital when we addressed these issues, we decided to keep the Christian Chapel and add another room for people of any or no particular faith. This room contains reading materials and worship aids for members of the different faiths. It is true that people of other faiths are not offended by Christianity and its symbols/festivals in any way. In fact, they would prefer us to be firmer and more public in our faith and practice. The real objectors, as noted above, are the secularists. They claim to represent the whole of humanity while in reality representing a tiny, tiny minority. They want everyone to have what they have - nothing. People of faith (almost all the world's population) should consistently call the bluff of the secularists and let them be seen for the imposters they are.

    Posted By: David

80. Why don't those who made this stupid decision to remove sacred images/crucifix from the chapel remove themselves!
    We don't want the few selfish, faithless individuals making decisions and "controlling" the many who DO want sacred images and crucifixes in the chapel.
    Is this COMMUNISM or is this COMMUNISM under the disguise of being "tolerant". That is what happens when we preach "tolerance" of others. IT always leads to the distruction of the "truth" and religious beliefs.

    Posted By: RI

81. WHAT A SHAME! IT IS DISGRACEFUL!
    AUSTRALIA IS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, WE BELIEVE IN THE CATHOLIC AND CHRISTIAN FAITH.
    
    WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO REMOVE OUR CHRSITIAN SYMBOLS? BECAUSE THEY OFFEND OTHER FAITHS? PLEASE, GIVE US A BREAK. STOP THAT STUPID WAY OF THINKING. DO YOU THINK THAT IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY THEY ARE GOING TO DROP THEIR WAY OF EXPRESSING THEIR RELIGION? INSTEAD THEY WILL PERSECUTE AND/OR KILL OUR BROTHER CHRISTIANS.IF SOMEONE DOES NOT WANT TO FEEL OFFENDED BY OTHERS' FAITH, SIMPLY AVOID GOING TO THAT PLACE. ONCE AGAIN AUSTRALIA IS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY AND WE MUST DEFEND OUR FAITH AND BELIEF AND NOT SURRENDER TO EXTREMIST PEOPLE NOR LET THEM INTO OUR COUNTRY. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL MUST DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, REVIEW THEIR REGULATIONS AND MAKE PEOPLE TO COMPLY WITH OUR LAW AND RULES.

    Posted By: F.Javier G.

82. Why do we incessantly continue to find cause to promote and disrespect values and beliefs of other religions? Taking away the Christians' religious symbols and icons translates to taking away beliefs and values, an offence itself. Was not the concept of the chapel to "SHARE" in a "non-denominational church" or environment? Without the presence of these icons and symbols can we still call this building a chapel? It should probably be called a non-denominational space. Would this be the sacred place where you would reflect, ponder; seek salvation or an answer with your GOD?
    Are we not also subscribing to hatred of other religions for what they are doing to the practice of ours? In the ‘modern Australian community’, and after witnessing many of the world's conflicts, why it is that one religion is still living in fear of another religion’s demands? Hasn't Australia already been witness to these lessons in the Middle East and Europe?
    Albeit, is the hospital chapel now the new battle ground for the bargaining of these issue. It was originally built for Christians to be at peace, a place to find resolution and salvation. Our leaders have much to answer for this unwarranted religious act.
    Are we all agreed then that the Quran and pray rugs should also be disallowed in the muslim prayer room? Won’t these symbols and icons also offend other religions?
    When and where will this madness end?
    

    Posted By: Larry

83. Shame on you RNS..
    If Muslims or Hindus will be OFFENDED by our CROSS then they are the ones who should change, NOT US
    If you go to Saudi Arabia, you can't say "I'm offended by all those mosques and loudspeakers.
    You can't even ENTER some areas in SAUDI ARABIA if you are christian.
    NOW I'M CHRISTIAN and I'M OFFENDED
    This is a CHRISTIAN COUNTRY in the base, I respect ALL OTHER BELIEFS but I don't have to change MY COUNTRY for the sake of them
    SHAME ON U

    Posted By: Koukou

84. So the matron of the hospital has ordered the chapel to be stripped naked of all its Christian iconography. As her own nurse's uniform is descended from one which Florence Nightingale modelled on the habit of the Sisters of Charity, to be consistent she should also strip off her uniform. In fact to be consistent she should quit her profession which itself is modelled on the Sisters of Charity. In fact as Catholic monks invented the hospital, to be consistent she should close down the hospital as it is at basis a Catholic institution.

    Posted By: Ronk

85. That would be right,political correctness gone MAD spewed by incompetent senior management that have brought the hospital system to its knees.
    
    Get rid of them!

    Posted By: Bruno & Lucy Morabito

86. The 'Enlightenment' mantra of "tolerance" is a device employed by those who are radically intolerant of the Christian faith..
    
    Just ask Voltaire, Diderot and company who preached natural religion sponsored by the secular state.

    Posted By: James

87. Since when has "tolerance" been included in the Christian virtues?
    
    Is there any authorisation for its elevation to top billing, or is it just another ruse to advance the anti-Christian causes of our society's secularisers?

    Posted By: Joe

88. Crucifixes, Bibles and other Christian symbols have been removed from the hospital chapel in order to avoid offending Muslims, Hindus and other non-Christian groups. Is the above statement and action is not going to offend the majority of the Australian population (63% Christian)?. Please stop that action and be real with with your way of thinking, enough is enough, it causes more damage to our spiritual life in an attempt to satisfy others. Be wise and think about other ways to provide places of worship for others.
    May almighty God bless the staff of the Hospital.

    Posted By: Adeeb A. Girjes

89. Main reason for removing stuff from chapel?
    
    In case other religions ask for chapels of their own.
    Cost reasons.
    
    Main reasons other religions will not enter the chapel, whether it has Christian paraphernalia or not?
    
    1. Jews prefer proper synagogues.
    2. Hindus have shrines within their own homes
    3. Muslims wouldn't enter anything that was a Christian chapel and if absolutely necessary would use a quiet outdoor space or wait for their Mosque.
    4. Buddhists have shrines within their own homes.
    
    So it's a cost mitigation exercise.

    Posted By: Jacquie Butterfield

90. Jacqiie Butterfield, cost may well be a factor, but if you believe it's the main one, you'll believe anything!

    Posted By: Doc

91. God is not schizophrenic, there is only one way to Heaven - through Jesus Christ, the Son of God manifest in the flesh, who gave His life once FOR ALL, to reconcile us to OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. Jesus stood in the gap for us, He took the punishment we all should be getting. Just as there is only one main door into a building, there is only one door into Heaven and that doorway is through JESUS. No leader of any of the "faiths/beliefs" ever gave their lives for the whole of humanity. JESUS gave His life as a demonstration of God' love for us.The Hospital Administration should FEAR GOD< rather than seeking to appease men and women of other faiths.

    Posted By: Barbara

92. It all comes down to fear..and we know what President Roosevelt said about fear. We were founded by a judeo-christian people. If a muslim,or hindu wants to pray in whatever way,fine, but to take down crosses in our chapels etc or remove our bibles to swear our oaths - we are surrendering.Jesus i trust in you...amen

    Posted By: anthony larocca

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