Why haven't churches and religious organizations

[SheilaT]

stepped forward to offer refugee centers?

The Conservative Right and Bush have been saying for years that churches can and should handle social problems the government doesn't want to be bothered with, and that they don't want to pay taxes for.

So why haven't Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and all the other local Conservative religious leaders stepped forward to offer shelter and resettlement for some of the displaced persons form New Orleans?

Everyone's acting as if the water will go down and all those unfortunate people will be able to go home and rebuild, but that simply is not going to happen for a lot of them this time around.

Every single congregation that considers itself socially responsible should step forward and offer to take in some of the refugees. Meanwhile, true temporary housing needs to be constructed for some of the hundreds of thousands who now have nowhere to live.

Religious people like to go on and on about how they are morally superior to the non religious, and this is one opportunity to live their faith.

[Lindsay]

1. I did see (on CNN, I think)

one church that had set up a shelter in a spacious community room.

So maybe there are some Christians who are behaving like Christians.

But the leadership seems rather silent on the matter.

[Zynx]

2. You have seen Catholics and others step forward.

The Baptodome types though will never do a damn thing.

[Claymore]

25. ...

Bullsqueeze. Our church had resources mobilized days ago. Not to mention this from the SBC's website:


New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary


Katrina News Update: 8/31/05

Dear Seminary Family,

The situation in New Orleans is still unfolding and as a result there is much we do not know. We do anticipate a major update of information on Friday, September 2. Southern Baptists who wish to contribute funds to the relief efforts for the Seminary and its families can send gifts to the NOBTS Hurricane Relief Fund at the

Southern Baptist Foundation
901 Commerce Street
Suite 600
Nashville, TN 37203
615.254.8823
Fax: [phone]

We are in the process of setting temporary offices at our Atlanta extension center. The time has come for faculty to report in. If you are a member of the NOBTS faculty please e-mail Dr. Lemke at [e-mail] or call [phone] or [phone] and give us the following information:

- Where are you and are you and your family safe?
- How can we reach you by telephone including a land line number?
- Do you have a non-nobts e-mail?

We also need to hear from three groups of NOBTS staff:

Business Office
Registrar's Office
Dean of Student's Office.

If you work one of these offices, please e-mail or call in your answers to the above questions. Send e-mails to [e-mail] and call [phone] or [phone].

Please help us by not using the e-mail addresses or telephone number above unless you are a faculty member or work in one these offices. We must finish setting up our temporary infrastructure in order to answer the questions of the whole Seminary family. Remember a major information update is coming on Friday.

In spite of our present circumstances we are still seeing the evidence of God's mercy. New Orleans did not get a direct hit from the storm. The levee did not break until the storm passed and rescuers could get out to help. Those evidences of mercy are but illustrations of the grace that will sustain us all the way through this challenge.

Please continue to pray for our city and campus.

[Claymore]

27. ...

Here's more from all of those evil Baptists...sorry bastards:

Kitchen Sites and Units Activated in Partnership with American Red Cross and Salvation Army

Louisiana

Baton Rouge
Rolling Hills unit (LA), Oak Crest Baptist Church
TN state unit, Jefferson Baptist Church
OK state unit, Florida Blvd. Baptist Church
TX, SBCT unit, site undetermined
Alexandria
Top of Texas, Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church
Lafayette
Texas state unit, Cajun Dome
Bogalusa
Illinois state unit, FBC Bogalusa
Covington
Louisiana state and Taminy unit, FBC Covington
Spirit of America, Taminy Parrish Fairgrounds
Hammond
Texas Tarrant unit, Woodland Park Church
Prairieville
Arkansas Forrest City unit, Fellowship Baptist Church
Kenner
Arkansas Independence, Veterans Parkway

Mississippi

Biloxi
Mississippi state unit, FBC Biloxi
Pascagoula
Georgia 11F unit, FBC Pascagoula
Hattiesburg
Florida state unit, Main Street Baptist Church
Kentucky unit, site undetermined
McComb
Missouri state unit, FBC McComb
Meridian
North Carolina state unit, FBC Meridian
Clinton (Jackson)
Kentucky state unit, Camp Garraway
Laurel
Arkansas state unit, FBC Laurel
Lucedale
Georgia 9, FBC Lucedale
Columbia
South Carolina unit, FBC Columbia
Tylertown
Michigan unit, FBC Tylertown
Picayune
VBMB unit, FBC Picayune
Columbia
South Carolina unit, FBC Columbia
Prentiss
SBCV unit, FBC Prentiss
Wiggins
Henry's Kitchen

Alabama

Mobile—Alabama state unit, Moffett Baptist Church

Georgia

Carrollton—Georgia associational unit

[Skittles]

31. so they're taking time off from bashing gays

whoop-de-do

[Claymore]

36. ...

...don't forget burning crosses and painting swastikas on the homes of local Jews.

[Mr_Spock]

38. You only seem to pop up in the religious threads

...and usually in a defensive/cynical mode...

It sucks.

[Claymore]

40. ...

What can I say, I'm interested in religion....and I'm also a cynical asshole. :hide:

[Skittles]

41. Ignore is our friend, Mr. Spock

I intend to take advantage :puke:

[wake.up.america]

3. This is a way to pull a check on some of these so-called religious...

organizations. How about Pat and Jerry and the guy in Houston, is it Os teen, donating some cash?

These guys can put a hold on the next mansion purchase.

[Lerkfish]

4. I'm sure some are, but the point you make is that faith based

initiatives do not work because they are voluntary rather than a responsibility.

and your point is well taken and valid.

Once govt. abdicates its responsibility to care for those who cannot care for themselves, they abandon that responsibility to organizations who are not REQUIRED to care for people and who in fact may choose not to for a variety of unsavory reasons.

[FreedomAngel82]

5. I haven't heard much here

Here in Tennessee our governor is sending people over here. I believe the state is letting them stay in homes to rent and pay whatever they can and college students are staying here at our universities.

[October]

6. NPR reported this morning

NPR reported this morning that faith-based organizations were helping...

I thought it was scripted, rather than reported. Color me cynical.

[Pacifist Patriot]

30. As someone else said, most centers of worship tend to

just go about the work that needs to be done rather than taking the time to issue a press statement.

[kansasblue]

7. Hello! there's a war on........ the war against gays! They're busy!

[Booster]

24. Sad, but true. Pat Robertson isn't going to spend one dime of

his diamond mine money on those heathrens in NO, no sir, no way. He's got his principles, you know, and God told him not to help the gays.

[BIG Sean]

8. My Uncle, a Catholic Priest in New Orleans

Hi all,

My Uncle was evactuated to a church about 45 minutes outside of New Orleans. He told us that they converted the convent to refugee center. He's cooking up the pasta! (We're from Brooklyn)

[AlCzervik]

9. They should be helping but FEMA should really be doing more

unfortunately Bush dismantled most of it.

[Justitia]

22. Agreed. Let's not let this administration "pawn off" their responsibility

to the church communities.

It is the primary responsibility and first priority of the American gov't to provide for her citizens.

THIS is what we pay taxes for, not foreign war adventures.

[natrat]

44. no silly ; we pay taxes so someone can steal from us

[greekspeak]

10. Megachurches: Open your Christian doors!

These megachurches, many so huge it is disgusting, have gyms, sanctuaries, classrooms, large foyers that could house a great many. Many have well equipped kitchens to cook nourishing food. They have multi-media equipment where people could relax or keep tabs on NOLA. And many Christians could use some good old fasioned Christian spiritual outreach.

[Justitia]

14. Lakewood MegaChurch in Houston would hold 16,000. Not a peep so far. -nt

[greekspeak]

15. One church holding 16,000

Now multiply that by how many MegaChurches within 300 miles or so of NOLA and Southern MS?

[Justitia]

16. Here in Houston, we have several MegaChurches empty 6 days /wk! -nt

[greekspeak]

19. Sounds ideal for survivers

I guess the dark skin of many refugees is probably a stumbling block though.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

11. I would bet that there are hundreds of churches putting people

up. But they tend not to blow their own horn.

Last night, CNN showed at least one church that was housing 200 people already and was expecting 200 more. Another church was housing rescue workers.

Churches often have large meeting halls and restaurant-style kitchens that are licensed to feed groups. In every disaster that I have heard of, churches of all denominations have offered shelter and food, mostly with volunteer labor.

Don't say that the churches aren't doing anything unless you actually KNOW that they aren't doing anything. Have you checked the website of every denomination in the country?

I know that mine has announced plans:

"We send emergency supplies after disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and civil unrest. We provide emergency food, water, medicines, shelter, other critical supplies
----
Episcopal Relief and Development is partnering with local dioceses in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to assist with local community efforts and help people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

As this storm passes and families return to their homes, they will need our continued prayers and support. With affected dioceses, ERD will identify the critical needs and provide programs that will assist people as they rebuild their lives long after the disaster is over.

http://www.er-d.org/newsroom_64617_ENG_HTM.htm

They'll be at work long after CNN has moved out.

So will the ELCA Lutherans:

As in past disasters, the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response to this hurricane will most likely include spiritual care for those affected by the disaster, care for caregivers, and hardship grants. Hardship grants are available to ELCA and other community members who need short-term assistance for expenses unmet by insurance or FEMA grants, such as rent, insurance deductibles, or special medical equipment. Your gifts to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, designated for Hurricane 2005, will ensure that funds are available to be released immediately once community needs are assessed. All 100 percent of your gifts will go to help individuals and communities rebuild their lives following this disaster. Our LDR coordinators will be organizing volunteers to assist in the debris removal and clean up as soon as possible.

http://www.elca.org/disaster/article.asp?id=47&mode=1

It's a busy day, so I don't have time to point you to the relief agencies of all the major denominations, but I know that the Salvation Army, for all their faults, will be right there to provide emergency relief, and the Mennonites will be there for the long haul to help with the rebuilding.

[theboss]

42. Delete

[Patiod]

12. I did see hurricane refugees in a Mormon church

in Tallahassee I think.

Jesus was pretty clear on the treatment of people in need.

In Matthew 25 Christ says the Lord will come with his angels in glory, enthroned, with all nations gathered before him. He will separate people into two groups, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Placing the sheep to his right he will say 'come blessed of my father, receive the reward prepared for you-for when I was hungry you gave me food; when thirsty, drink; when I was a stranger you gave me your home; when naked, clothing; when I was sick or imprisoned, you gave help and solace.' The blessed will say, the parable continues, 'when, Lord, did we see you hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, or imprisoned?' The Lord will answer 'when you did it to the least of my brothers you did it to me.' To those on his left the Lord will say 'depart from me, you accursed, into punishment of fire, for I was hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, and imprisoned and you did not help me. They too will say 'Lord, when did we see you so?' And the Lord will say 'anything you failed to do for one of these, however insignificant, you failed to do for me.'

And look - no mention of being allowed to price gouge while you're feeding, clothing, sheltering, etc.

[Roland99]

13. Louisville Archdiocese has formed a fund raiser

[SheilaT]

17. Thank you all who posted

about the specific churches and denominations that are helping out. It's good to hear about them.

It is sad that the most vocal "Christians" who in reality preach hate and division don't seem to be coming forward here.

What's also needed is action on the part of our "president" and Congress to pass major relief bills. If we can spend a billion dollars or so a week or day or whatever it is in Iraq, surely we can instead spend that money here.

One thing that ought to happen is Haliburton ought to get contracts to rebuild in New Orleans and the first in line for jobs in the rebuilding. What's the likelihood of any of that happening?

[Bridget Burke]

18. Houston area Red Cross centers include quite a few churches...

Of various denominations:

www.houstonredcross.org/cgi-bin/NewsList.cgi?section=&cat=General&rec=161

But you're really talking about those "religious" folks with TV shows. The ones that always ask for money. Have any of them pledged to redirect funds to Louisiana, Alabama & Mississippi?

Some people live their faith. Others just talk about it.

[Justitia]

20. Note that all those churches listed are small ones. Says a lot huh? -eom

[bryant69]

21. Actually my church is organizing volunteers to move into Mobile

And help with relief efforts - about 140 people from my area I would imagine will go. Leave 5:00 am Saturday and get back Sunday night.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[BeTheChange]

23. My church prepared 1000 meals in preparation of the folks that are evaced

To reunion. They will provide 1000 more on Tuesday. I dont go to a mega church..We are mobilizing resources, but must work with the agencies involved in this to safely get to NOLA.

http://www.christinaction.org is the ministry of one of our close family friends. They operated the main food distributution at the pentagon site after 9/11 and are trying to get into NOLA. They are working with the Office of Emergency Planning to get into the heart of NOLA so they can provide food to these people.

Churches are mobilizing, rest assured. They just arent screaming about it.

[Justitia]

26. Wow! 1000 meals! That is serious work. Faith in action. -eom

[mmonk]

28. They've already spent

their government checks?

[Pacifist Patriot]

29. Um, they are.

Right now a Catholic Church in Texas is partnering with a Unitarian Universalist Church in Florida in working with the Red Cross and the St. Vincent dePaul Society to operate, staff and supply 10 refugee centers and counting.

I am also aware of Methodist and Southern Baptist involvement. I can't speak for the far right assholes of which you speak, but don't paint "churches" with such a broad brush. Much faith-based activity is going on in all religions.

Edited to add: I have a hard time equating televangelism with religion but that could be a personal bias.

[MidnightWind]

32. The Southern Baptist Convention has a disaster response team

and they began to roll out on Monday. They have feeding kitchens, etc. I know they are a bunch of conservative GOP bible thumpers but they have stepped up to offer some assistance.

[theboss]

33. The Southern Baptists have stepped up

Response to Hurricane Katrina will be the largest ever for Southern Baptists, with more than 1,000 volunteers and 100 mobile disaster relief units activated to hurricane- and tornado-ravaged regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

By Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 31, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers from as far away as New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia were serving in various capacities at more than 20 locations. Mobile kitchen teams were set to begin operations at many locations today. Southern Baptist volunteers also are manning two American Red Cross kitchens and two Salvation Army kitchens.

“We’ve worked for 35 years to build capacity to respond to something like this. It will be a major test,” said Jim Burton, director of volunteer mobilization at the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, Ga. “This is day 3 of the disaster, which is typically the most difficult day. We are beginning to understand the extent of the damage and the logistical challenges that lie ahead.”

http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=21495

[theboss]

34. Orthodox churches have organized

Following the devastating landfall of Hurricane Katrina on the shores of the Gulf Coast, Orthodox Churches throughout the United States and the world are responding to assist with the relief effort. The powerful storm hit portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama on Monday. Reports are stating that 80% of the city of New Orlean is flooded, and power and communications systems are not functioning throughout the region.

In response to the disaster, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America called on all Orthodox faithful to offer their prayers and resources to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands who have lost property and livelihoods. In a special encyclical he stated:

"I write this letter on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in the wake of the fatalities, heavy damage, and trauma caused by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This natural disaster has affected entire communities throughout these States, and today many thousands of people are mourning the painful loss of their loved ones, their homes, and their businesses as a result of the violent storm. As an Orthodox Christian community, our first and foremost response must be a call to prayer for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives and for comfort and strength to be granted by the merciful God to those left behind. Our prayers, however, must also be joined by a tangible expression of material assistance, so that those affected by this tragedy may receive the help that they need to recover from this overwhelming catastrophe."

His Eminence called on all of the parishes of the Archdiocese to take special relief collections on either Sunday, September 4 or Sunday, September 11, to be sent to the Archdiocese for the “Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund.”

Relief efforts are also being coordinated by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), the humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). IOCC already has response teams working with parishes in the Gulf Coast area, as well as coordinating the Orthodox relief efforts
with other private and government relief agencies like Church World Services. More information on the relief efforts and needs of IOCC can be found at www.iocc.org.

http://www.hellenicnews.com/readnews.html?newsid=3954&lang=US

[theboss]

35. Predominantly black churches on the move

In response to the devastation Hurricane Katrina has wrought on predominantly black communities in New Orleans, Alabama and Mississippi, congregants at San Francisco's Third Baptist Church, where Manning worships, and at African American churches throughout California are gathering donations and volunteers to provide relief for the region.

Some groups plan to send aid directly to the disaster area. Others will funnel donations of money and clothing through organizations like the Red Cross. Most churches are in the early stages of responding to the disaster.

East Oakland's Center of Hope Church plans to raise money to fund a five-person relief team at a special service Sept. 18.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/09/01/CHURCHES.TMP

[Winston702]

37. CRWRC sending workers

Christian Reformed World Relief Commitee in Michigan is sending workers.

Aug 31, 2005

CRWRC to raise $2M for Catastrophic Katrina

Stephanie Tombari, CRWRC Communications

As the chaos caused by Hurricane Katrina continues to be tallied, CRWRC mounts an ambitious campaign to raise $2 million for her victims.

Relief plans by Disaster Response Services (DRS), CRWRC’s North American relief effort are already in the works, just days after the category-4 storm crashed through Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana on August 29. Money donated to CRWRC will help deploy rapid response teams to get needs quickly assessed, clean up debris, purchase building materials and repair homes, and provide funding for long-term reconstruction in those areas hardest hit.

DRS has a long history of hurricane relief in the United States, most recently responding to damage caused by July’s Hurricane Dennis in the Florida panhandle. A network of volunteers across the US and Canada give their time and talents to help clear debris, assess needs and rebuild homes after disaster strikes.

Though ambitious, the $2million goal isn’t even remotely out of reach for CRWRC supporters. After last December’s south Asia tsunami, donations totally USD$7.7 million (not including the CDN$3.5 million matching grant from the Canadian International Development Agency) poured into the agency for relief and rehabilitation in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.



TO DONATE TO HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF ONLINE, CLICK HERE


PHONE:
US: 1-800-55-CRWRC
Canada: 1-800-730-3490

MAIL:
Please mark your check, “Hurricanes 2005” and make payable to:
CRWRC-US
2850 Kalamazoo Avenue, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49560

CRWRC-Canada
3475 Mainway, PO Box 5070, STN LCD 1
Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8

[theboss]

39. Catholics do this better than anyone

Catholic aid agencies are among those accepting donations for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Among the Catholic organizations receiving donations are:

-- Catholic Charities USA: Contributions may be made by phone at: [phone]; by mail at: Catholic Charities USA, Hurricane Katrina, P.O. Box 25168, Alexandria, VA 22313-9788; or online at: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

-- Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Contributions may be sent to: The National Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 58 Progress Pkwy., St. Louis, MO 63043-3706. Donating by credit card may be done by clicking "Tribute" on the group's Web site, www.svdpusa.org.

-- Knights of Columbus: Checks payable to Knights of Columbus Charities USA Inc. should be sent to: Knights of Columbus Charities USA Inc., Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 9028, Pittsfield, MA 01202-9028, Attn: Hurricane Katrina Relief. Donors in Canada should make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Canada Charities Inc. and send them to: Knights of Columbus Charities Canada Inc., Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 7252 Station A, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1X9, Attn: Hurricane Katrina Relief.

-- Catholic Extension: Donations may be made online at: www.catholicextension.org, or mailed to: Catholic Extension, Hurricane Emergency Relief, 150 S. Wacker Drive, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. Donors are asked to write "hurricane relief" on the memo portion of their checks.



http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/katrina.cfm

To help communities recover from the damage brought on by Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities USA is collecting financial donations that will fund agencies' emergency and long-term disaster recovery efforts.

Catholic Charities USA is unable to accept contributions of food, clothing, blankets and other relief supplies. Its federal ID number is 53-0196620.

Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.


http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050901/NEWS01/509010351

The Diocese of Covington and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have joined the effort to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Both are asking their churches to take up special collections this weekend for the hurricane relief effort.

Money from the collections Saturday and Sunday will be channeled through each organization's Catholic Charities agency to Catholic Charities USA, which has been designated by U.S. bishops to represent American Catholics in helping those displaced by the massive storm.

[theboss]

43. The Mormons are probably the second-best organized group

Also Wednesday, pallets of sleeping bags and other relief supplies were transferred from the Mormon church's central storehouse to trucks headed to Louisiana and Mississippi. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 14 truckloads of supplies including food, water and tents en route to the hurricane-ravaged region.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/31/AR2005083102293.html