History was made in Dominica in general and for the Christian community in particular as Hermenius and Maria Emmanuel opened the doors of Ixortique Elegance in Castle Comfort last evening.
Ixortique Elegance is a cafe where Christians can socialize and dine in a good ambiance.
After 10 years of carrying a vision, the birthing of that vision was witness by a small group of well-wishers converged under the gazebo of the Emmanuel’s grounds.
The grand opening started with songs of Praise and Worship, followed by a history of the place by Maria. Congratulations were then given by Pamela Guiste of the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches, Hon. Ambrose George, the Parliamentary Representative of the Roseau South constituency, niece to the proprietors Avril Coipel, and Sister Harry of their church. Pastor Kendrick Bernard of the Eglise de la Gloire de Dieu then closed the opening ceremony and ushered in the cutting of the ribbon through a blessing of the grounds and declaring the venue opened.
This Christian Cafe, the first of its kind in Dominica, is equipped to host weddings, day retreats, Saturday night Koinonia (Fellowship) Cafe, or just to simply provide a venue where a Christian can make time to be in the presence of God.
@ Bruce,I find u very indiscrete, you really find ur comments necessary? Instead for you change ur gay life around u there making these stupid comments? if u gay u gay, that’s your business wi, u alone will have to answer to God. Stupes! Am certain is not only Christians allowed there but wait what or who is a Christian? Christian doesn’t mean someone who is a Pentecostal, Baptist, Adventist, Gospel mission ect. as far as am concerned these are religions, and Catholics are Christians also in case u didn’t know. I could be attending anyone of the churches listed above every Sunday and it doesn’t make me a Christian, being a Christian means living right, Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus, One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus and so on. I am a Christian, are you?
Well done, good thinking a place other than church where you can go and listen to some good words and meaningful music. WELL DONE AGAIN
NICE IDEA MORE OPTIONS FOR #CHRISTIANS ##, OF ALL TYPES ,SAVED,PARTIALLY-SAVED,INTRANSIT ,BACK-SLIDERS ETC,,WISH YOU SUCCESS BRO EMMANUEL…..WILL CHECK IT OUT,,MAYBE A GOOS PLACE TO MEND RELATIONSHIPS ETC,
I love the idea…and I am quite certain that as with a Chritian Church, WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME. I definitely look forward to hanging out there next time I visit DA and I cannot think of a better place to take my visiting friends. Thanks whoever thought of the idea…Surely goodness and mercy will follow you and your business and may the environment be an inspiration to those who don’t know Jesus to find his love from those who are called according to his name.
Love this. All are welcome. We need to listen to some good music for a change, whiles dinning out.
Love this. All are welcome. No segregation. We need to listen to some good music for a change, whiles dinning out.
Good to know that this place is opened. Looking forward to dining there.
“Ixortique Elegance is a cafe where CHRISTIANS can socialize and dine in a good ambiance”.
SO I NOT WELCOME – I’M NOT A CHRISTIAN
what’s the deal nuh? Christians don’t put up a fight to get into Krazy coconuts? So why all you want go in the people cafe, heathens? alas we.
Why do the Heathens rage? lol.
@ bruce…..I laugh so hard I pee myself,you are such a joker you should be in a comedy club somewhere.So if it is a Christian Cafe I am suggesting no worldy persons is allowed? I despite them hypocrite.
In everything is opposition – such is life. But if this is to the glory of God then victory belongs to the one on whose side God is. Who can contend with God?
Nothing in this article points to discrimination against anyone, yet those of differing religious background or lifestyles are already behaving offensively just because of the name “Christian”.
I can imagine many of you will want to break into heaven on that day and fight for your “right” and cry discrimination – hmm. But there is only one way to enter, one door and that’s through JESUS CHRIST.
I pray that this place will bring peace to people near a far. Lets hope it will serve as a place where the broken hearted and the trouble soul will find solace in Christ; hopefully, this is the start of something good for Dominica and even the world.
May the love of GOD, the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the HOly Spirit be with you all and may GOD broaden your territory.
why cant dominicans be happy wen somethin good is being done . always some negative comments . people we must learn to stop thinkin so negative and be more positive
I pray for success and prosperity for your business and may God’s favor be upon you always.Dont worry about the haters,the enemy is very upset right now that.But We know what our Daddy say about it all.His report is best.Rejoice and be glad.
I COMING UP THERE NEXT WEEK…
ME AND FOUR OF MY GAY FRIENDS…
HOLDING HANDS OF COURSE
Your bottom is yours – what ever goes up your butt is your business. Your lifestyle is between you and GOD – He has the final say so what’s your point?
WAIT!
ARE YOU CALLING GOD GAY?
WHAT YOU MEAN “BETWEEN ME AND MY GOD?”
and may the holy ghost fire burn you and your gay friends like it did in the city of sodom
WAIT! SO U MEAN EVERYBODY IN SODOM WAS GAY?
EVEN THE KIDS!
FOR EVERY NEGATIVE STATEMENT YOU MAKE I BRINGING ONE MORE GAY FRIENDS
…AND I JUST MIGHT THROW IN ONE OR TWO LESBOS FOR DESERT
Have a FABULOUS time!!!! Sorry that you’ll have to interact with the biggoted locals
in reality, the church is suppossed to accept all types of people. The problem is not the type of people that come into church, its how we address them when they arrive, the bible clearly says that we are supposed to bring people into the house to be changed. not to be judged, but to be led to change.
Although i know that you are being sarcastic about this, i just thought i would bring enlightening to everyone about this. However it is sad that many people still live in a boxed mentality and hence will never be able to reach lost souls like the gays and lesbians, because we judge them instead of the sin. And NO ONE Is Gay or Lesbian.
it is a choice!…. just like it is a choice to be a thief or a liar!… teach people to do right and to have relationship with God! and in relationship with God, all of these things will change!
Are catholics welcomed too?!!..i would expect them to..since… HEY!!!….you work at a catholic school…but then again maybe they are, if you consider them to be christians because some people think they are not!!
Why the bitterness? I detect envy, malice and anger. Who exactly are you attacking? hmm.
Yes you are welcome – all are welcome. You just won’t hear anyone asking Haily Mary full of Grace to pray for them. That’s all.
Can concerts be held there too?
yes, as long as it is gospel music!
very best wishes on this important move ; its long awaited.
Gods blessings to you Maria and Chumby etc We are allproud of you all.
Great things will continue to come from HarlemNewtown people.
CONGRATS !
first time I agree with humanist – that’s what i got from reading it too – that only christians are welcomed there. Don’t look for me to pass
Way to go – Maria and Herminus. God will indeed reward you and you household for this bold initiative. Ask the Lord to direct your paths and do not stop praying for your children. No matter what you see around you – remember to say as the Shunamite woman that all is well. Our Father will never forsake the righteous and will bless the righteous household and family – also the extended family as well. Blessings to you and your family!
kool!
Oh!my God!this is so sweet.i will be going there very soon.Thats what am talking about
P.S: I really need to move away from the church or any congregation of people are their christian religions. Christianity is the number cause of seperation within people and so they continue to austracize other communities by these actions.
This is ridiculous. I’m catholic and find this nothing but very discriminatory. Remember you guys are setting a standard. There are all types of people in Dominica and more so these days foreigners with all sorts of beliefs moving to this country. I hope when they setup there establishment first atheist, agnostic restaurant, health center, clothing store pharmacy towards non believers etc all you wouldn’t have a problem. This shouldn’t be tolerated. Its one thing to have a group from a church that does bible reading or get together at someone’s home. But when you move this ideal into a business atmosphere I hope you guys are ready to withstand the consequences of your doings!!! rolling eyes the things people come up with. idle hands are the devil’s workshop for real
NEXT TIME TRY SAYING – GOOD LUCK…
Stop being a fool. The Holy Redeemer Retreat House and the Pastoral Centre are Catholic. Are only Catholics invited there? I don’t think I’ll ever get over some of my people’s folly. Thank God for DNO someone will actually read a fool’s comment.
this people has not refused any one from their cafe ,its just a place where i can relax without cigarette smoke,and insults.the only thing that might happen to you after a visit is you may live their a change person.
Wonderful….This is something I have been dreaming about
that’s great…. but how would they ensure that every patron is a christian…. u know how we ‘not yet baptized’ love christian women… they just made it easier for many men who love church women hhhmmm
It’s an ambience of Christian Standards. Of course all the persons frequenting the place will never be Christians and the proprietors welcome that as the place will minister peace to all. This is meant to be a place away from the norm: no alcohol, no noise, just fun in a clean environment.
Mouth, you forgot the best part.Just fhink about it, you’ll be served by ANGELS.
bring it on young man,you might come for a woman, and live with a double dose of the holy spirit,that sister may be your way to salvation gods work is misterious.
Praise the name of the Lord! We serve a God who is the preserver of bountifulness and I believe for goodness and mercies continuously for you on this venture. Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!
hope when the ALL inclusive gay nightclub and bar is open….them selfish Christians don’t react…
all you people really provoking God
kool…..its nice to socialize with you own kind (though i secretly think this is gonna cuz segregation)
LOL….coolstorybro…this business is obviously biased… and prejudiced therefore it wont prosper … soon enough youre gonna hear hey closed due to bankruptcy…
Please DNO Please Allow me to tell this person that they are a first claass *** please!!!!!!!
terrible that you would say that… ure negativity is your cross so carry it.. GAYE
Can you not bless someone instead of cursing???
In the name of Jesus,as a child of the most High,i rebruke that statement,and no weapon that riseth agaisnt God’s children shall not prosper.In Jesus name.
@guye fawkes – Any business venture in DA not done right in the right way always “coo-lay”. open one day and closed the next!
It will prosper because most Dominicans are Christian and will happily buy anything Christianity-related. But I agree that it is biased. The pathetic and histrionic responses below testify to the level of bias and ignorance among some fanatical Dominicans. A commenter below is so mad as to “rebuke” your comment in the name of Jesus and saints, though all you said was that the business is prejudiced–which, of course, it is. That commenter, as well as “Deon” and others, are blindly devoted to their religion and in all likelihood would not even care to examine criticism of it if it threatened to destabilize their beliefs. This blind ignorance is partly why Dominica is going places at such a snail’s pace.
When we do things for the Glory of the Father and he is placed first in what we do – For example we need somewhere like this place, and we depend on the Heavenly Father for guidance and we ask for him to give insight and foresight, then being dependant on him, Peace and prosperitty will reign. Blessings will flow and with blessing – Guye Fawkes and God we have all.
I am really glad for this. I can’t wait to book a retreat. God bless your establishment and may His favour rest and abide on the owners His children and all those who grace this place with their presence. Everyone is invited. What a joy
That is an excellent idea and one well suited for the christian community. Congrats to all concerned. God blessings on this timely initiative
wowww, great idea. great initiative
YAY!!
YAY!!!!!
So, if you’re not a Christian, you can’t eat there (or are implicitly discouraged from eating there)? What would you think if a Muslim opened a cafe here to do the same, but exclusively for Islam? Or if a socialist did the same, telling non-socialists they need not come in?
you are invited too..no worries hehehe the door is opened for all..God call not not the righteous but sinners to repentance..so it is not for one set..ok? feel no way u r free to come
Glad to know muslim brothers welcome too. Alluha Akbar.
of course u can come u are free to..God call not the righteous but sinners to repentance ok? so come along
Ah, so non-Christians are welcome because they’re “sinners” who are expected to “repent.” Too bad for all those Hindus born into Hindu families, too bad for all those sinful Muslims, too bad for all those uncontacted tribes who have never seen a bible in their existence, too bad, in short, for everyone but you.
I know you’re trying to be nice, but don’t call people who believe different things “sinners” who need to “repent” and expect them to come on down….Just treat every customer as a customer, and nothing more.
Hello, Hello! Humanist, I would hope you are an educated, lucid and intelligent person. Well do not let your fanatical atheism turn you into an idiot. There is nothing socially abrasive about a cafe that caters to the preferences/beliefs of a particular group of people. Infact there is nothing wrong if socialists or followers of Islam open a cafe catering to their own social and entertainment needs. Obviously it is a business place so anybody can patronise, but by calling it a christian cafe, the owners are advertising a place which offers a christian ambiance, i.e. christian themes etc.
I’m sure you don’t give one fart where people of any faith would choose to socialize, you just decided to decry the people’s little business venture, because you don’t subscribe to christianity (or any religion for that matter).You simply cannot resist peddling your fanatacism a-la Dawkins about anything with a religious stamp!
I will never understand people who condemn religion as oppressive and false, but are so devoted to imposing their irreligion on others! Effectively replacing what they claim to be repression in the name of God, for repression in the name of…..well nothing. In short, I advise you to live and let live. I would like to think that your ‘humanism’ would benefit from a generous helping of tolerance for the human condition- beliefs and religious inclination INCLUDED.
In short I can only conclude that you are being ‘Mechanstay’ and trying to bait religious folk.
Miss Joseph, though you seem rather lucid, educated and intelligent you sound just like many persons from the so called christian faith who are easy to pass judgement. As someone who believes in God, when I first saw this news topic I thought the same thing as the humanist. Infact I was a bit taken back by this entire thing. As you well pointed out its a business. For my part business and religion are two seperate things. If you went somewhere and you see white only restuarant how would you react to that? Maybe white only bathrooms? I bet you remember that many men like MLK fought to eradicate such segregative actions from other races. Even though the sign or the restaurant doesn’t boldly state in print form “non christians aren’t welcome” in the most indirect of ways it says all it needs to. Perky’s pizza place says perky’s, it shows no prejudice like for example shabine only perky’s pizza. I mean you know just like me that DA have a colour problem already. Its the inference of “christian cafe” that creates the issue of which we’re discussing. You don’t have to be an atheist only to recognize that this is wrong and it encourages bad attitudes and is discrimatory.
Sigh. Don’t you realize that from what I wrote in my post, I would equally criticize a cafe that called itself “The Irreligion Cafe” or anything of the sort? I may not be religious, no, but I have never once written that unbelief is to be imposed upon anyone. Imposing any ideology, be it religion or atheism, is wrong in my book. You have mistaken my criticism for an imposition of unbelief, when, in fact, my point was that an eating place should be secular–that is, it appeals to any and all openly. Secularism means that there is no preference given to any one religion or to unbelief. It is NOT the same as atheism.
And, frankly, the work of Dawkins, Hitchens, et al is not an “imposition” of anything. They provide evidence as to why religion is most likely untrue and unnecessary. If you choose to ignore the evidence, fine. But there is no dictatorial claim that unbelievers will burn in hell or any such thing. It is simply a matter of whether or not you care to review scientific facts and history.
I agree humanist. Christians and their hollier than thou, judgemental attitudes. I thought god was the only one to judge? Christians are always in a constant state of seperation and segregation because somehow they’re the chosen ones. I believe in God and was raised catholic but somehow i don’t seem to indentify with these ridiculous folks. Don’t forget some of them believe to that somehow catholics aren’t christians. No church for me or my future kids. We will thank the almighty on our own terms in our home or where ever we see fit. Church and christian gatherings are nothing but a boiling pit of gossip, judgement, self serving etc etc types of people
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PEACE ON EARTH GOOD WILL TO ALL