‘A Season of Fasting: Reflections on the Primates Meeting’
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82669_ENG_HTM.htm
Here is a paragraph from our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s
“A Season of Fasting: Reflections on the Primates Meeting”
[snip]
“A parallel to this situation in our tradition might be seen in the controversy over eating meat in early Christian communities, mentioned both in the letter to the Romans and the first letter to the Corinthians. In those early communities, the meat available for purchase in the public market was often part of an animal that had been offered (in whole or in part) in sacrifice in various pagan religious rites. The troubling question in the Christian community was whether or not it was appropriate to eat such meat - was it tainted by its involvement in pagan religion? Did one participate in that religion (and thus commit apostasy) by eating it? Paul encourages the Christians in Rome and Corinth to recall that, while there may be no specific prohibition about eating such meat, the sensitive in the community might refrain if others would be offended. The needs of the weaker members, and the real possibility that their faith may be injured, are an important consideration in making the dietary decision.”
[snip]
Something for churches to consider, especially if they have ethical veg’ns in their congregations who might be offended by an obvious focus on dead animals’ flesh at social events (lobster boil, pig roast, fish fry, etc.), or offended because they are excluded because of the limited menu — and believe it or not — whose faith (in the Church, not in God) might be injured by the lack of consideration and sensitivity in making dietary decisions for such events.
(This is why the Diocese of Chicago ended up passing a resolution in 2004 to offer vegan options at diocesan events whenever meat is served. And this is why I was more than disappointed that the Deputies in the Diocese of Chicago didn’t feel it necessary to submit similar legislation at General Convention 2006, even though the second resolve asked them to. I told one of them that it was a matter of hospitality and inclusion. But as much as other minorities in the Church may feel excluded, at least they have a place at the literal table, and aren’t sent away empty.)