There are 386,000 churches in the United States

[theHandpuppet]

Not counting synagogues and mosques. If every place of worship opened its doors to just one displaced family, there would be no housing crisis for evacuees.

I won't be holding my breath waiting for that to happen. And yes, I know there are a handful of churches taking in families, so don't anyone get hysterically defensive. Facts are facts. So is blatant hypocrisy.

[KingFlorez]

1. I'm contacting churches I know

[mr blur]

2. All enjoying tax-free status, I imagine?

along with Pat Robertson and his FEMA-endorsed Operation Blessing.

[KansDem]

16. Pat Robertson is not interested in the New Orleans disaster.

There have been no reports of a foreign leader there who needs to be "taken out" in the news lately...

[LastDemocratInSC]

3. Most churches, at least around here (SC), have massive bus fleets, too

[DBoon]

4. The "mega churches" can hold thousands

Where is all that faith-based social services I keep hearing about?

[dsc]

5. I guarentee you that nearly every church is raising funds

and most would take in a family if requested to. I have my doubts that churches in Ohio or Pa would have a lot of demand to house people from NO.

[noonwitch]

8. There'll be a Red Cross table at my church this weekend

We are a large church, but are not set up for housing people. We could feed them, however.

My mom's church in Grand Rapids is part of a homeless shelter network. They alternate with other churches in the area by providing shelter. They added what was needed to do so to the church-showers, more kitchen space, etc. A lot of churches in Detroit also have this capacity. Unfortunately, in Detroit, most of our shelters are usually full of homeless Detroiters.

[oneighty]

6. And a hundred dollar donation per church

would be? 38,600,000 dollars? And many could afford much more;especially those churches already receiving faith based tax payer's money?

180

[RoBear]

7. I've said it before...

Where the hell is Pat Robertson? Jerry Falwell? Morris Cerullo? Mother Angelica? Benny Hinn? Whatsisname & Rexella?

Fucking hypocrites. Praying isn't gonna do you any good if you're dying from lack of water, or food, or from cholera or any number of the other diseases waiting to erupt.

Take your religion and shove it.

[BOHICA06]

9. As long as you've ponied up ....

bash away. There will be millions flowing from various churches and a wide variety of FBOs. What's more is there will be millions of hours put in by volunteers from these organizations.

[Bluerthanblue]

15. it's not the money.. though that is very necessiary it's the simple

reality that many houses of worship in the areas closest to the survivors are empty for most of the week, and are equipped with the necessities of life-

this is not an 'indictment' against religion.- I posted the same thing last night- and some people took issue with it- These buildings are built to be houses that honor god- as anyone may choose to see "Him" - what better way to honor that God than to offer hospitality to the fugitive, refugee, needfull- every religion i am aware of places this kind of mercy as an essential to honoring their 'god'-

Shelter, safety, and a place to BE- Either the 'sanctuary' itself, or the narthex, parrish hall, vestry etc. During wars, which this is in effect- the chruches were ALWAYS places of refuge.

As individuals, people of faith can and should live their walk- but as communities of faith the invitations, and welcomes should be OUT THERE- perhaps they are, and we're just not hearing them- but if they aren't call your local denominations and make a plea for this- PLEASE!!

[BOHICA06]

17. In the time talent treasure continuum

...most can give treasure and many will give time.

Few churches I have attended had shower and bath facilities necessary - great latrines, nice kitchens, but still lacking. However, it is a grand idea and I bet dollars to donut-holes that sanctuaries are being put to use as we type.

but, be somewhere on the continuum before casting brickbats.

[theHandpuppet]

19. Well, I just happen to be somewhere on the continuum

And I will continue to prick the conscience of those who simply wear a label of faith without putting it into practice. If that doesn't apply to you or your church, fine.

[gratuitous]

20. Then may I suggest

You bring out the scalpel instead of the machete next time you decide to post an indictment?

[theHandpuppet]

22. Sorry, no. This is long overdue.

What I posted was downright civil compared to what I truly feel.

[BOHICA06]

33. No it wasn't ... it is the same

as lumping an entire group (you pick the group) into a "you people" statement and then saying, "If it doesn't apply to you, just ignore my rant!"

It is the tool of the bigots, don't make it yours. (Still said with a smile and a prayer and a contribution to the ARC)

[Neshanic]

10. $16,000 for doughnuts at this joint "Radiant" of NYT article.

Hungry? Not to worry. We'll fill you up with an impressive assortment of free Krispy Kreme donuts and plenty of coffee at every service. You can eat breakfast while watching the service on plasma screens.

Hang Out In The Lobby

This is in Surprise AZ.

Another Mega-Air conditioned with plenty of space and cash...North Phoenix Baptist.

Plans are under way for the largest Christain Church in North America to be built in Phoenix. The size of a mall.

[leetrisck]

11. Many, many Churches have opened their doors

and for that I am grateful. Catholic Charities is on the spot down there and was from the beginning. They always have been - it was never particulary publicized in the past - so many want publicity now for what they accomplish and that defeats the whole purpose.

[momisold]

12. I live in Houston

and my church went knocking on hotel doors in the area right around the church building and found 4000 people evacuees. They were all invited to come and eat, and some of our members were taking people home with them.

I know that there is another church in our community that used to let homeless people stay in the building, but code enforcement came in and said they had to stop because they didn't have all the safety features necessary for people to "live" there. They don't want the churches to be liable for any harm that might come to the people staying there. (Just like some restaurants, when I ask for a doggie bag, will no longer give me one because they can't guarantee that I will take the food right home and refrigerate and won't get food poisoning and hold them liable) I'm guessing that alot of church buildings might legally not be able to house people but they are feeding them and getting them into private homes.

So please don't swipe all churches with your wide brush.

[meganmonkey]

13. In the last 48 hours I have gotten dozens of calls from local

churches and religious groups asking how they can help.

Facts are facts.

[Neshanic]

14. Jesus did not say buy doughnuts to the tune of 16 grand.

Also the Bible has no chapter of "MegaChurch"...especially ones airconditioned and empty most of the time capable of holding 5 thousand, with gymnasiums, pools, and coffee shops, so they can spread the word of "Supply Side Jesus".

[gratuitous]

18. Well, our church is 2,500 miles away

But anyone who can make the trip is welcome. Please be aware that our annual congregational budget is less than $50,000, and that the lower floor of our church building is already used as the offices and day center by Human Solutions, a local agency that helps homeless families transition to mainstream housing, accommodations which we don't charge them. We have shower and laundry facilities available. Any new guests will probably have to wait in a short line.

We just had our District Disaster Relief Auction in which we raised over $2,000 (much of which I suspect will be going straight to Louisiana and Alabama), and several people from our District are heading down to the area to provide emergency child care services. We welcome other contributions, of course. If you can't spare your time, talent or treasure, we'll gladly take prayers or good wishes.

I hope I'm not too hysterically defensive in laying out a few more facts, but if you're going to pick up the broad brush to tar folks, you might expect a few objections.

[theHandpuppet]

21. Reread my original post

If that still makes you feel defensive, then so be it.

[gratuitous]

24. Reread my post

I'm not being hysterically defensive, I'm just laying out a few more facts that have clearly not been considered by you. But you seem more than a bit defensive in my opinion.

Really. Put down the broad brush. It's not appropriate:

http://www.councilofchurches.org/

[Perky]

28. Why are you needlessly finding an excuse for insuting Christians

I can flat guanteer you that there are people in every church in this country who are on their knees praying for the situatiion ...donating money to relief agencies and would gladly gladly take in some who's life has been shattered,

Every single church bar non have people wantint to help....Not every memeber...certainly some can not and will not because of any number or real and stupid reasons.


But until you are ready and able to take someone in yourself. You are the hypocrite not us. If you dpon't have a clue as to make it happen Sit down and shut the F up.

[theHandpuppet]

30. There ya go! A nice Christian response!

You don't know me, either, or what I've done or am doing. The difference is I won't cuss you out but but I will thank you for helping.

[Sgent]

23. I can't speak for all churches

but the churches of Tupelo, MS -- including the most fundie ones, have stepped up way beyond imagination.

They have opened the churches themselves -- the gym's, the classrooms, the sanctuary's themselves, to refugees from this storm.

They have used their kitchens to feed 1000's.

They have systematically gone to every hotel in the region to give people cash, clothing, food, and support.

They are providing medical care and supplies. Congregation member's who are doctors are opening clinics at the shelters and hotels throughout the area.

Their general charities -- such as UMC Senior Services, are taking in nursing home patients and assissted living patients for free with no hope of reimbursement.

So before you open your big mouth, learn the facts.

I'm not even Christian, and this type of response has been overwhelming.

[Perky]

29. thank you for a post evryone should read.

I am so sick of the bigoted bashing some people give the church. It is despicable and pushes away well meaning souls who are told by the fundies that Democrats hate CHristians.

I have been a Demcrat since birth and a CHristian since I was born again and I will be damned...literally... if I am going to let anyone tell me I can't be both.

[DoYouEverWonder]

25. I suggested that idea a number of years ago

has a solution for the homeless problem in my community and you wouldn't believe the excuses I got about why churches couldn't possibly do this sort of thing.

Good thing there are 1000's of churches in the black community, they are usually more willing to help out.

[Perky]

26. My Church,,,my house is open

Most CHurches would happily invite in ten families... Tell you what....give me the cell phone of anyone down there that you know who need a new start and I will get them a ticket to gly out of New Orleans tonight.

Don't be calling us hypocrites until you gigure out the logistics

The risks of families getting sperateds and having no way to know what part of the county a spouse is in is pretty substantial right now. You gigure out how to hook up two sisters who lice on opposite sides of NO from eachothe and no longer have the ability to communicate and I will listen to your blaterhring on about hypocrisy in the CHurchy.


Until you do stop being unreasonably mean-spirited,

It is not the CHurche's fault and most of would gladly take in a family or three.

[Swede]

27. You have 10,00 buses handy?

I don't see any in New Orleans.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

31. From what I see on the news, Handpuppet

the churches in the affected area, the ones that aren't damaged, ARE doing what they can. You're just ASSUMING that they're doing nothing.

The ones who follow Jesus' teachings carefully are not blowing their own horn, though. Jesus specifically warns against bragging about one's own charity.

You've heard the phrase "Your right hand doesn't know what your left hand is doing," yes? These days, people use it as a synonym for being messed up and aimless, but in its original context, the phrase means that you should be so modest about your good deeds that one hand doesn't even know that the other hand is giving money.

I haven't checked the website of every denomination, only the Episcopalians and Lutherans, the two denominations that I know best, but both are gearing up to send aid. I know from past experience that we will have a special offering during Sunday's service to be sent to aid the storm victims. My church (located in Minnesota) is "legal" to feed people but not house them--however, we have sponsored refugees from Liberia and other countries, so we have people who know how to find jobs and housing for those who have nothing. I'm sure our clergy, three of the most warm and caring people you could hope to find, have been brainstorming about how to help out.

You can also be sure that Salvation Army (which is actually a religious denomination), Catholic Charities, Lutheran World Relief, Episcopal Relief and Development, Northwest Medical Teams (a Portland-based Christian organization), and the Mennonite Volunteer Services either are or soon will be in the affected area. The denominational groups will coordinate with the local churches to provide facilities and volunteers, and they will be working in those areas long after the TV cameras have left.

[BiggJawn]

32. ...And NONE of them get along with each other...

You wouldn't need first, second, third, etc. Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Nazarene, whatEVAH churches in almost every town if they did.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

35. Not true, BiggJawn

In the case of the Lutheran churches, they were originally different immigrant groups. You had a German Lutheran, Norwegian Lutheran, Swedish Lutheran, etc church, all of which held services in their native languages. As the next generation grew up speaking English, the foreign language services gradually faded away, but the congregations were there.

In the case of the Baptist and Methodist churches in particular, and other churches to a lesser extent, they traditionally split off new congregations when they reached a certain size or when their city began spreading in a new direction. Having a "megachurch" used to be considered undesirable.

My own church "peeled off" a church that is located closer to the center of downtown back in the days when everyone traveled by horse and buggy, and in turn, it sprouted several congregations farther out in the city.

[Zhade]

34. Very interesting point.

NT!