Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 06-24-2002, 12:20 PM

From the newswire:

<a href="http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/3480772.htm" target="_blank">Religion and tax dollars in the mix: Faith-based groups have ready access to funds, study finds</a>

Quote:

...half the faith-based programs in his sample now get some government funding - including more than 40 percent of those that incorporate religion and worship in their welfare-to-work services.

Of that latter group, 65 percent reported that they encourage their clients "to make personal religious commitments," he said.

Only three of the 60 faith-based groups with government funding reported having to reduce their religious emphasis or practices as a result of receiving those funds, he said.

Monsma found that government funds make up 30 percent of the budgets of the overtly religious welfare providers and 50 percent for the groups that operate under religious aegis but "secularize" their services.

. . .

Monsma said he and his researchers visited 46 programs and found that "the bookkeeping was not real precise. There's a 'don't ask, don't tell policy' " about use of funds for religious purposes.

. . .

Elaine Kamarck of Harvard University, who shaped welfare reform in the Clinton administration, said the study showed that faith-based ministries are "innovative networks." While some of them may pressure clients religiously, especially in rural areas, she said, the "firestorm of criticism" of charitable choice was unfair.

Little by little, the wall is eroded. . .

tragic_pizza · 06-24-2002, 02:22 PM

How many non-religious organizations are offering similar services?

Toto · 06-24-2002, 02:25 PM

There are numerous secular social services. If all the faith-based programs disappeared, there would still be a variety of programs.

RufusAtticus · 06-24-2002, 09:49 PM

Why the hell should tax-payers, many of whom are not christian, be funding christ-based social services? Isn't that what tithes are for?

~~RvFvS~~

[ June 24, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</p>

Toto · 06-24-2002, 10:04 PM

Tithes are to maintain the church real estate and pay for liability insurance.

enemigo · 06-26-2002, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Tithes are to maintain the church real estate and pay for liability insurance.

and to pay off molestation victims.

richard

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06-24-2002, 02:22 PM	#2
tragic_pizza Regular Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 108	How many non-religious organizations are offering similar services?

06-24-2002, 02:25 PM	#3
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	There are numerous secular social services. If all the faith-based programs disappeared, there would still be a variety of programs.

06-24-2002, 09:49 PM	#4
RufusAtticus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NCSU Posts: 5,853	Why the hell should tax-payers, many of whom are not christian, be funding christ-based social services? Isn't that what tithes are for? ~~RvFvS~~ [ June 24, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</p>

06-24-2002, 10:04 PM	#5
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	Tithes are to maintain the church real estate and pay for liability insurance.

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