[NAGDU] churches??

[Cindy Ray]

> On Sep 27, 2021, at 2:44 PM, marianne denning via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:I went to a mosque once and was not allowed to bring my dog. 
Cindy
cindyray at gmail.com <mailto:cindyray at gmail.com>

> 
> I believe they must let you in with your service dog if some activity is open to the public. An example would be if it is a place where people go to vote, for a community meeting or similar activities. I am not aware of any protestant churches or the Catholic church that won't let you in with a service animal based on religious beliefs. I doubt if you could take a dog into a Mosque. I have also heard that you can't take a service dog into the Mormon Tabernacle even if it is a public activity. I seriously question that one.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Heather Bird via NAGDU
> Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 2:16 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Heather Bird <heather.l.bird at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] churches??
> 
> So, churches are not considered a place of public accommodation. This  has to do with the concept of separation of church and state. This also applies to other places of worship, so a mosque or synagogue for instance. Many religious institutions welcome individuals with their service dogs, but they have the right to refuse. Now, it gets a little more difficult when for instance there is a school or homeless shelter or other place of public accommodation, that happens to be run by a church, or situated within the church. There is some guidance from the department of justice, but people have had mixed results, with regards advocacy and accessing public services offered by religious institutions. I always tell people thatt, it never hurts to ask, education can be beneficial, and even though they’re not required to take you and your service dog, trying to do a little advocacy, without trying to force the issue, is usually a good idea.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Sep 27, 2021, at 1:49 PM, Jessica Diaz via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Afternoon,
>> Church for me has never been an issue. I also have relied on rides 
>> from awesome people. Though we have pretty awesome transit here none 
>> are super close to the churches my hubby and I have attended. Good 
>> luck. For me, they have all been pretty welcoming.
>> Jess
>> 
>>> On 9/27/21, Richard via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi;
>>> 
>>> I'm certainly not an A D A expert but I didn't think churches would 
>>> be an issue.  Generally although they are a private organization most 
>>> churches are open to the public.
>>> 
>>> In my little world church has never been an issue.  In most cases 
>>> public transit isn't an  option when going to the church of my 
>>> choice.  Generally a church member is happy to take my  wife and 
>>> myself with no problems.  Since it is their private automobile, 
>>> however, its really up to them whether the dog comes or not.  I have 
>>> seen some people who have their no dogs allowed sign up.  Then there 
>>> are others who would happily take my dog and I'm welcome to stay 
>>> home.
>>> 
>>> Just  my personal experiences
>>> 
>>> Richard
>>> 
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>> 
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