Friday, November 29, 2013

Praying at the Airport

I just pray the flight makes it.

"Airport chaplains let fliers connect with heavens" by Scott Mayerowitz |  Associated Press, November 28, 2013

ATLANTA — Airports are mini-cities with their own movie theaters, fire departments, and shopping malls. Many also have chapels, typically tiny nondenominational spaces in out-of-the-way locations. They offer an escape from constant gate change and security announcements and are staffed by 350 part- and full-time chaplains worldwide — Roman Catholic, Protestant, and, to a lesser extent, Jewish, Muslim, or Sikh....

Chaplains see troops off to war and are on hand when bodies of the fallen return. They comfort fliers visiting sick relatives and those traveling for medical treatment themselves. During weather delays, chaplains take the heat off gate agents by standing nearby — passengers tend to be on their best behavior when in the presence of a priest....

Why? The potential pedophile no longer carries any moral weight.

Chaplains don’t just support fliers; there are also thousands of airport workers. Employees at ticket counters, security checkpoints, and control towers are under extreme stress. They often need to chat with somebody independent from their job....

Thank God I'm done with this piece.

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