Reply #7: We refer people to a housing agency that requires church attendance [View All]

[noonwitch]

It isn't state money, though, and most of us inform our clients of this before referring them to that program. It's a church-run and funded program-they require you to go to the church of your choice while participating. For people who want to reconnect to their church backround, sometimes these programs benefit the whole family, because inner-city churches usually have lots of programs-low-income daycare, donated food giveaways, youth groups and athletic opportunities for teens, school tutoring programs, substance abuse counseling, etc. Being part of a spiritual community can be very good for people who need lots of emotional support, too, especially people recovering from drug addiction. The state shouldn't be funding this type of thing, but it's fine if we point people in that direction with full disclosure, because it is ultimately that person's decision to participate or not.

The Mel Trotter missions make the homeless listen to a sermon before feeding them. It's their money, they can give it as they please. Most of the hungry and homeless don't really care if they have to listen to a sermon first, as long as they get some food and a warm place to sleep.

The church and other religious organizations can make a big difference in a community. I have no problem with some level of church/state cooperation in order to get the naked clothed, the hungry fed, and the imprisoned visited. There just has to be a clear line about coercion and funding.