Church leaders fight strip club

"It's up to the community to oppose this. If there is a groundswell, maybe the town will reconsider," says Rev. Donald Czelusniak, pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Mary of Mt. Carmel parishes in Gloversville.

He was talking about the opening of a strip club on West Fulton Street.

Father Czelusniak and Rev. Paul Butler, associate pastor, have joined Rev. Ted Monica, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Johnstown, and other religious leaders in voicing opposition through a letter to a local newspaper. They are all representatives of the Johnstown and Gloversville Council of Churches, and the Fulton County Clergy Association.

'Strong' opposition

"The council of churches recently held a meeting, and we made a decision to submit the letter, voicing our strong concerns about this establishment," Father Czelusniak said.

Added Father Monica, "We discussed the impact of this establishment on our communities and decided that we really didn't have a choice. We felt we had to speak out. I believe that, as Christian leaders, we are compelled to speak out for the Christian community.

"I don't think we should take any stronger actions than we have done, though, such as picketing. I think that might give them too much publicity."

Concerns

The strip club is close to a commercial area of Gloversville where families congregate.

"This is part of our concern," Father Monica said. "Our message to the Christian community is 'Don't patronize this establishment.'"

Local people are frustrated over the late-night noise caused by bars on West Fulton Street. As a result of complaints, Mayor Frank LaPorta held a recent forum for citizens to state their concerns.

Mayor's view

Mayor LaPorta, who is a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, is against the opening of the club.

"I've lived here all my life, and I don't want to see an establishment like this here. When we found out about it, we did everything we could do under the current law," he said. "Gloversville has always been a good place to raise a family, and we don't want that to change. We're doing all we can; this issue is not over."

"Our job [as Christian leaders] is to persuade the community that this is something they might want to think long and hard about," Father Czelusniak noted. "Our families should be able to grow healthfully in all aspects of their lives, and that includes their souls. You can't make a decision to frequent a place like this if you are trying to live Gospel values. You can't just leave your soul at the door."

(10/6/05) [[In-content Ad]]