Megachurch seeks to reassure new Portland neighbors

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The pastor of a conservative Christian church that
recently moved into the heart of liberal southeast Portland sought to
reassure his new neighbors Thursday (Sept. 8) about the church's
philosophy.

Pastor Tim Smith said the Mars Hill Church wants to learn about its
neighbors and work with them.

"If someone wants to hear about Jesus along the way that is great,"
Smith wrote on the church's blog. "If not, we will not force it down
anyone's throat and have never gone around knocking on people's doors."