A well-known Christian pastor found himself unable to enter an airport chapel last week.
Tom Ascol, who leads Founders Ministry, had just returned home after spending time with family. He mentioned Voddie Baucham Jr., a notable American pastor who recently passed away.
As he waited at Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Ascol noted that Terminal D was supposed to offer prayer services, having heard announcements inviting travelers to participate in various activities.
With little expectation, he hoped that maybe someone would read the Bible aloud during worship.
However, upon arrival, he noticed an overwhelming focus on Islamic traditions among the chapel’s attendants.
“My departure gate was nearby, so I wandered over to see a space filled with Muslim prayer mats,” he shared with executive producer Ricky Ratriff. “Beyond the entrance, there were two food stalls and water taps for cleansing. It became clear that the food areas weren’t meant for bathing.” In the main area, he found himself kneeling on a mat, overhearing a Muslim imam leading prayers nearby.
When Ascol looked through the door, he realized the public prayer service was indeed intended for Muslim prayers.
Still, he decided to wait for the prayers to finish before entering the room, despite the sign inviting “all are welcome.” Interestingly, the man praying loudly felt it was within his rights to prevent Ascol from entering.
“He stepped in front of me just as the Imam began discussing the Prophet Muhammad,” Ascol recounted. “He mentioned a chair behind me, but I explained that I needed to take off my shoes first.”
As he attempted to move closer, the man blocked his path. Ascol felt distinctly unwelcome in the interfaith chapel, under the condition that he follow Islamic customs.
“There seemed to be no motivation to assert the misinformation in the announcement,” Ascol mentioned, adding that he simply took a photo and departed.
Ratliff reached out to the DFW Interfaith Chaplaincy, where they acknowledged reports of travelers being turned away or feeling unwelcome during the Muslim prayer service held in the airport chapel.
Pastor Greg McBrayer addressed Ratliff, stating that they take these claims seriously and that no one should be denied entry based on circumstance during religious services.
He expressed surprise and sadness regarding the situation, noting that the chapel, functional for 50 years, is intended to be inclusive and serve various faiths.
Additionally, McBrayer mentioned that if there had been any doubts or concerns, it would have been communicated that the chapel was open and that everyone was welcome.
Following the incident, Ascol reflected that perhaps he should pray with even more fervor.
