It wasn’t until October 2007 that I began giving people the opportunity to step away from the group if they would prefer not to hear the testimony. Until that time, I let people know that what I was about to share was based on my own personal feelings and opinions. I foolishly assumed that that statement would be enough to prevent people from being offended by what I was about to say. I have come to realize how wrong I was. I not only made non-Christians feel uncomfortable, but I also offended the faith of fellow Christians.
To those whom I made feel uncomfortable: I ask this question – Have you ever been so excited about something that you wanted to shout it from the rooftops? That is exactly how I feel about the forgiveness of my Creator. I thought about how Christ shared His messages with crowds of people and I wanted to share His love and forgiveness with anyone who would listen. Being so caught up in that excitement, I forgot that everyone who went to listen to His message chose to hear it. That is not the case with the Ghost Tour. You came to hear ghost stories and in essence you were trapped into hearing a message that you did not want to hear. I failed to consider how my message would make YOU feel. I am so sorry for not allowing you the opportunity to escape from a situation that made you feel uncomfortable. Please accept my sincerest apology and know that I respect that we do not all share the same beliefs.
To my brothers and sisters of the Catholic faith: There was a part of my testimony in which I discussed Purgatory. I mentioned that having been raised Catholic it was my first inclination to believe that ghosts were the souls who had been trapped in Purgatory. I followed that statement by saying that by the definition of Purgatory that I had been raised to believe, everyone in the Ghost Tour group would probably end up there. I realize now that in my attempt to dismiss the idea that ghosts were the souls of those in Purgatory, I was making light of a very serious topic. In doing so, I offended you and the faith in which you feel so strong. Though that was not my intention, I realize that is exactly what I have done. I regret that it took me so long to recognize that and offer my sincerest apologies to all of you. I have removed those statements from the tour but understand that I cannot undo what has already been said. I can only hope that you will offer me your forgiveness.
If any or all of you have chosen not to not take the tour in the future, please know that I respect your decision and must say that if the shoe were on the other foot and the situation were reversed, I would feel exactly the same. If, however, you are willing to give the tour another chance, please know that the tour will clearly be ended before the testimony begins. Instead of inviting those who would prefer not to listen to step away from the group, I will instead invite those or are interested to join me after the tours end for Christian theories, discussion, and fellowship.
I want to thank you again for clicking onto this page and allowing me the opportunity to apologize.
Sincerely,
Ann Kelican
P.S. I welcome any comments or questions you may have. ghostsofharpersferry@frontiernet.net.