Posted on 04/25/2005 7:59:46 AM PDT by NotchJohnson
Cites concerns about Roman Catholics, other faiths
KEN GARFIELD Staff Writer
One of Charlotte's best-known churches has withdrawn support for a food pantry that serves the needy because the pantry works with Roman Catholics.
Central Church of God explained its decision in a letter March 1 from minister of evangelism Shannon Burton to Loaves & Fishes in Charlotte: "As a Christian church, we feel it is our responsibility to follow closely the (principles) and commands of Scripture. To do this best, we feel we should abstain from any ministry that partners with or promotes Catholicism, or for that matter, any other denomination promoting a works-based salvation."
Loaves & Fishes isn't the only ministry with which the Sardis Road mega-church has cut ties, and Catholics have not been the only reason they've given.
The Rev. Tony Marciano, executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission, said Burton told him the church could no longer support the agency after it allowed three Muslim students from UNC Charlotte to help serve a meal at the uptown ministry in November. Founded in 1938 by eight businessmen, including Charlotte-born evangelist Billy Graham's father, Charlotte Rescue Mission offers Christ-centered residential care for people fighting drugs and alcohol.
Doug Hartjes, director of development for Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte, said Central Church of God told them it will not provide financial support this year. Crisis Assistance provides emergency financial aid and other help to people. Hartjes said 200 congregations representing Christian, Jewish and other faiths donate money and volunteer time, as do people with no religious affiliation.
The church also ended funding for Love Inc., which provides services for the poor, elderly and disabled in Mecklenburg County.
The decision by Central Church of God isn't likely to cripple the ministries. Loaves & Fishes executive director Beverly Howard said the church has donated a total of $36,000 the past 11 years, plus volunteers and food. Marciano said the church gave Charlotte Rescue Mission $5,500 in 2004 -- a small part of the mission's annual budget of $3 million. Hartjes declined comment, citing the policy of honoring the privacy of donors.
But whatever its practical impact, the Central Church decision is likely to provoke debate over ecumenical cooperation, or the lack of it, in a city that prides itself on its many vibrant congregations -- and the notion that they generally get along.
Anna Burton, a spokesperson for Central Church of God and the minister's wife, said church leaders decline comment, letting the letter speak for itself. She said there was no animosity toward any of the organizations.
Howard said Loaves & Fishes receives support from 100 to 150 congregations each year, and that Central Church of God is the only one to pull out over the food pantry's partnership with other congregations. Jewish and Muslim congregations help, as do 10 to 15 Catholic parishes to which Central objected.
"It absolutely did shock us," Howard said. "We had no idea Central Church felt that way about ecumenical ministry."
Howard said Loaves & Fishes last year gave away a week's worth of food to 70,000 recipients. She said that's a mission all people should embrace.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte released a statement to the Observer Friday, saying, "This apparent attempt to divide the faith community is most unfortunate."
The statement sought to explain the Catholic position on what it means to be saved:
"As Catholics we firmly believe that Salvation for the world came through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through his Passion, Jesus Christ has already completed the work of salvation. Jesus calls us to love one another and that love must demonstrate itself in good works. Engaging in good works is putting your faith into action. We earnestly hope that we can sit down with fellow Christians at the Central Church of God and clarify our mutual understanding of God's word as put forth in the Scriptures."
The Rev. Conrad Hoover of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte stressed that you are not saved solely by good works.
"Catholics believe it is indeed by faith in Jesus Christ," Hoover said. "We really are biblically grounded."
With some 6,000 members -- and often more than that packing Sunday morning services -- Central Church of God on Sardis Road is known for its huge crowds and electrifying sermons by the Rev. Loran Livingston. Crowds are so big at one of the nation's largest Church of God congregations that buses drive people to worship from the parking lot at Providence Day School and Charlotte Country Day.
In the letter to Loaves & Fishes, obtained by the Observer, Central's Burton tried to end on a positive note:
"I hope and pray you receive this as intended -- in love," Burton wrote. "Thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter, and if you should have any questions, feel free to give me a call."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reach Ken Garfield at (704) 358-5094.
I don't see how any 'unsaved' Jew, Catholic or Baptist could be an expert on the New Testament outside of it's historical value...The Bible is not just another book...
It is a fact that 75-80% of charities that benefit the poor are physically worked by Catholics. Other Christian denominations give money, but do little of the work. This church has made a very unwise decision.
Can't be right or wrong, because nothing matters in the end.
Of course, folks like you try to make up this totally illogical concept of morality so the rest of their lives can pretend to have meaning.
Read the instructions in the first chapter of the Epistle of James and follow the instructions therein.
Is "Big Church" akin to "Big Oil"?
A Jewish scholar, for example, could be well versed in what the various passages in the New Testament mean to Christians and how those passages relate to one another. He wouldn't have to believe in the New Testament to understand its passages.
So tell me why you are a Christian but the rest of us are not.
Read the first chapter of the Epistle of James and follow the instructions therein.
I think the Nicene Creed represents the core beliefs of the Roman Catholic church. You can read it and see if that core belief meets with your personal approval. The rest is details:
Read the first chapter of the Epistle of James and follow the instructions therein.
Okay, and for you, ignore any other books written which are not included in the New and old testaments.
Don't put words in my mouth. You ask, I told you. I can't help it if you are in attack mode and not humble before your maker mode.
Who cares what YOU consider to be good? YOU aren't God. And since there is no God in your religion, there is no good or evil.
If we all do as you do, that is, decide for ourselves what is good or bad, then anything we want to be good or bad will be good or bad. It's nonsense.
God knows what you do and why you do it.
In the end, that's all that matters.
"Who cares what YOU consider to be good?"
I care, Protagoras. How's that?
My church actually would do the same thing (drop donations) if that organization supported and preached non-biblical viewpoints.
"To let them know the gift of Salvation is free for the asking and eternal security is a promise..."
Which is NOT accomplished by leaving these charitable works to others.
Put it this way - which faith is the non-believer more ready to convert to - the one that's displaying its faith and belief thru its works to them directly or this megachurch that's afraid of Islam and thinks Catholics aren't 'real Christians'?
Because, let's face it - that's what powered this decision - good ol' Protestant anti-Catholic ignorance, piety, and bigotry.
For the record, I was baptized Catholic at St Vincent's church IN Charlotte so I met lots of these pious hypocrites.
Try 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
" I guess the internet is the work of Satan or something. "
Satan...Al Gore...same difference.
"I also guess this "minister" has neglected to read the book of "James", too. Ah, well..."
I'd say the entire New Testament was neglected.
But hey - he's "SAVED" so he can be a pious phony 'minister' in his wonderful, multi-million dollar 'megachurch' while others go starving. Just as long as he doesn't have to hang around those evil Catholics!!
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