The following I do not believe... “Our experience at the booth over the years has been that many people are interested in our models and literature, and many people express approval of our point of view and the services we provide for women and their families,” committee member Martha Taylor read from the group's letter at Monday's meeting." Keep religion and politics away from Hampdenfest.

If it were only possible to keep politics away. The fact that churches are no longer welcome says a lot about politics. Churches were once the heart of communities, but in the past several years especially, government has sought to fill that role by promising people things they cannot commit to then jailing or insulting people when they fail. Not allowing churches( even the ones whose beliefs some disagree with), won't make them vanish, but it shows how prejudiced the planners of the festivals have become. Such a shame.

I agree with ralahinn1's statement. If you don't have christian faith then what do you have . You have a life that's empty and and unfullfilled. What about the children? What does that say to them? Shame on you who make decisions for the rest of us.

If you don't have christian faith you have Budhism, Islam, Judiasm and many more. This country is built on freedom of religion.

duley noted

The key word is freedom...of speech and religion...

Churches and faith based groups should never be banned to participate in any community event since they provide valuable services (counciling, support, help with utility bills, clothing, food & shelter, etc.) It is discriminatory that Hampden Council took this drastic step for a complaint. Was there an investigation? I have attended festivals in Balto, AA, Carrol, Frederick & elsewhere where there were stands from various organizations: religious, political, private & state or county gov. The purpose of any kios is to introduce your organization to the public and let them know about the services you provide. St. Thomas Aquinas Respect Life Committee has every right to have a booth like any other organization. When I attend a festival, if I do not agree with their message, it is my right to walk away. No organization should be targeted or banned simply because some individuals do not agree. The Hampden Council says they want to keep the festival from being polictical. Do they intend on banning the Democratic or Republican parties from having booths next year promoting their choice of a presidential candidate. . . probably not and they shouldn't. The only organizations that should ever be banned are hate groups that are clearly promoting violence or racisim. Perhaps the Churches and faith based organizations should ban the Hampden Fest. . . . I know I will.

This is going viral. HampdenFest just opened a big old hornets nest of feedback coming their way soon. Have fun!

While the group is certainly anti-abortion, it's worth noting that their booth wasn't directly about abortion. It provided information on the various services available through Catholic organizations and other charities for women in unplanned pregnancies. They also had models of fetal development. They weren't standing their with giant abortion-photo banners or anything, though.

I'm not sure I see how charitable services and some scientifically accurate depictions of fetal development count as political...

Offering resources from those who are guided in faith & love. Sharing the Heart of Christ. No activism here. People come to the table as an invitation. No pressure. Some people genuinely intrigued by the beautiful models of what babies look like in their mother's womb. Some people really appreciate the fun of the day and gathering some interesting resources. Some children really enjoyed holding the little baby models. Mothers explained this is what you looked like when you were growing in my belly. Whew! Some people's fear can really take them on a ride. It's a shame that some people are so hypersensitive! What are they really dealing with?

I find this whole episode ironic and sad. I am a post abortion mom and attend Hampdenfest yearly, since it's inception. I never found the St. Thomas Aquinas table to be 'hawking' or calling people over to their table.....nor did they have any type of abortion posters or graphic art, similar to CBRE or others. What gets me more burned up than anything else, is that the HVMA allowed planned parenthood and other religious institutions to set up their booths. How is that equal and fair opportunity? It's not. And no matter what anyone says, they were banned, asked not to be there, not allowed to participate. Who the hell do they think they are? It's all non-profits or non and that would really make the streets empty. Who is anyone to ban anyone from this type of event? Makes me certain to really look at that vendor list this year before I venture up the street. I too witnessed multiple families and mothers visiting the table to obtain literature or to show their children what they looked like, or what their siblings may look like, if they were pregnant. We seem to be so focused on certain types of political correctness. And I frankly believe the HVMA was very UN-correct.