Dear Neville,
I didn’t notice anyone here being pro church. (Years ago we had this come up. Maybe someone can find it and link.) From my perspective, nobody is saying that it’s muttar. This not a unique situation. It is a unique Jew. If you don’t reason with that, you are also unique.
Any published psak can be read several different ways. Come on you know that. (Somebody posted that the Brooklyn Eruv should be used now.)
As an aside, this has happened before. A similar event recently. This exact situation a hundred twenty years ago. And different situations throughout history. I don’t get your blanket statements at all.
And all this is just a matter of public instances. In private, urgent matters, who knows how many instances there are?
hose that are promoting interfaith, would promote it anyway. If Rav Mirvis hadn’t gone, they would say this is why interfaith dialogue is a must.
Make up your mind.
is it:
1) The chillul hashem of this public display.
2) The slippery slope that will lead to more leniency.
3) The Chief Rabbi not asking your rabbi.
4) We must hold like Chacham Ovadia on this issue.
5) Did I miss something?