Truly sexist?

Apparently some churches in Sweden are banning fathers giving away their daughters. The reason for banning it is because it's sexist.

Couples who marry "are equal when it comes to finances, politics, values ... but when they come to the church ... the woman suddenly turns into a man's property"Lutheran Church vicar, Yvonne Hallin said.

I was walked down the aisle my by father, but i was not given away by him. I too, felt like being "given away" was being treated like i was property. Yet, i was still happy for my father to walk me down the aisle to symbolise the life i had led with my family was ending.

So is being given away at a wedding too traditional? Is it truly treating women like property or celebrating tradition and giving parents their rightful respect?

Would it be sexist if the man was given away by his family as well?

merry christmas, may you be utterly depressed

I have always looked forward to attending the christmas service of my local church. They bring in special music items and the children are always dressed in their christmas best. This year was no exception. I was amazed by the chior and the many different styles of music that was being presented. i enjoyed it greatly!

That is, until the minister felt the need to speak. As soon as he reached the podium he was talking about how terrible the shape of the world is. He spoke about SIN! and how acceptable sin was becoming in our society. How it was encouraged that if we were going to go out and sin, we should do so safely! (our row said amen, but i think the rest of the church found it inappropriate) He warned us that as we went into the world to be careful of things things that looked safe but would lead us away from God.

At the end of the service, he admonished us to give generously to his buy-a-new-video-camera-for-the-church fund.