'Explicitly Christian State' Talk Moved From PA Eatery After Backlash

LANCASTER, PA — Opinions may differ on why the Mid-Atlantic Reformation Society decided not to host a "Should We Want An Explicitly Christian State?" conversation at a Lititz restaurant.

The Society said it moved the event, which it says focuses on "the wisdom in Pennsylvania's Constitution," because of "overwhelming interest." But a wave of backlash also came against the restaurant, its owners and the Reformation Society on social media, as people criticized the group for being Christian nationalists.

Tied House Lititz, which is owned by St. Boniface Craft Brewing, was going to host the June 23 discussion. Joel Saint, director of the Mid-Atlantic Reformation Society, and Chris Hume, managing editor at the conservative Lancaster Patriot, are the scheduled discussion leaders.

Hume has published anti-LGBTQ pieces in his publication, as Lancaster Online reports.

One of the people criticizing Hume and the planned discussion was Lancaster City Council President Izzy Smith-Wade-El.

"Make no mistake: These speakers, and their hatred, are unwelcome in Lancaster," he wrote on social media. "No one who uses the Bible to encourage violence, or discrimination, or bigotry, or witholding food and shelter from those in need, is welcome here. As a community, we reject all of this, wholesale."

Tied House and St. Boniface published a post on Thursday calling for civility, shortly after the Reformation Society announced it was looking for a new venue.

"So here's an idea. On any Tuesday between now and Election Day, November 8, stop by the Taproom or Tied House and bring someone along who doesn't share your views on religion, politics, or even your playlist," the post reads. "Instead of popping off at each other on Facebook, share a couple pints and a bite to eat. Tell the server your story, and the first round is on us. We think you'll find that good beer can settle the worst arguments."

The Mid-Atlantic Reformation Society, or MARS, seeks to promote Christian ideas of government and thinking, according to the organization's website.

"The goal of MARS is exhortation by education — helping individuals break unbiblical thinking patterns. Our presentations are intended to show that a biblical view on various matters may be outside the comfortable status quo. It’s our duty as Christians to conform ourselves to God’s pattern of thinking, to reform our thinking to His."