I am posting this on "Straight Forward" so that it can fit into the strict moderation rules here and not become a debate.
I have posted this Poll with one response only, since this is a Petition, rather than an opinion poll. I realize that there are people who will be opposed to it, but the purpose here is to see if there is support for this proposal and, if so, how much there is. If there is only a few, then the proposal might be disregarded. If there are many, then the Administrators here can consider if the idea has merit.
Proposal: That there be a single forum, similar in structure to the Women's Forum, for posts dealing with "Religion on the Trail."
This would not be a place to discuss whether one religion (or no religion) was good, better, best or worse than the alternatives. It would be a place where information about religion or religious things related to the AT could be expressed and exchanged.
This is an very important aspect of the AT, both in terms of the culture of Appalachia, as well as for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Not only is Appalachia - from Georgia to Maine - heavily informed by religion, but religion and religous groups are so intertwined with the AT that the two cannot be easily separated. Thus, there are churches formally and informally associated with hostels, and other hostels and meeting places that are anywhere from openly to quietly religious in their purpose. Many hikers have religious needs, ranging from wanting to know which towns have Catholic Churches so they can attend mass, where Passover can be celebrated, or aid in observing other holidays or religious committments. Some hikers wish partners who share their faith, and that is no less (or more) of a reasonable desire than for a desire for someone of the same age, or sex, or other interest.
This forum - if allowed - would NOT be a place for debating, or even discussing, religion, and religious arrogance would not be tolerated, I would hope. Much as "political" issues are discouraged in most of the forums, even if related somehow to the Forum concept, attempts to justify or attack faith (or differences, or absence of faith) would not be allowed. In short, attempts to "witness" would not be allowed. This is very possible, since a thread last year about organizing a hike for one religious group was very successful, without being difficult for others to accept. There are other threads going on at present that are not contentious, such as the one about where Passover can be observed, showing that there is both a need for such a forum generally as well as the ability to self-police (usually) the topics.
I think WB is mature enough to accept the importance of this concept, and to manage it wisely.
Comments:This Poll Petition is simply to show numbers. I ask comments be restricted to those who support the Petition with comments that are non-confrontational and non-preaching, and that they not refer to one's own particular faith, denomination or beliefs. I am not the moderator, however, so those who do not wish to honor my request obviously can do so.