Yes, you would need to use the Bible. Unfortunately, for every verse I could come up with, I am certain they could come up with a verse that could be interpreted as supporting their position. The best thing that I could offer would be that if you trust the Holy Spirit in people's hearts, why not trust Him to lead them away from things that are wrong? I would also ask the person who decided to make this rule if he had ever been to one of these meetings, experienced whether it had any benefits, and discovered if he could worship God while doing Tai Chi. What if he could? We can worship God doing all kinds of things that are not necessarily holy pursuits. It's up to us to make our lives worshipful and holy, regardless of what other people associated with our activities. And what if, through attending Tai Chi, he could bring something of God to the meeting with him? Why operate out of fear when we can operate out of love? "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

But really, the church has the authority in this situation. So unless their congregants disagree with what is being done and voice their disapproval, there is no reason for outsiders to try and change what church leadership does. They will just see it as opposition from the world, which basically shows them that they are on the right path.

Perhaps someone who leads the meetings for the elderly could write a compassionate letter that expresses how sorry they are that they will no longer be able to help the elderly deal with their arthritis. They may even be able to suggest some exercises that could be done at the church with hymns playing that could provide the same benefits. That may be the most compassionate thing to do. Send a packet of exercises or postures along with an explanation of how the help with circulation, flexibility and pain.

Hi Aubri,

Huntsman is having a Team Sarcoma event on July 25. I hope you'll join!!! :-) http://www.team-sarcoma.net/2009-events/1637