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One of Charlotte's best-known churches has withdrawn support for a food pantry that serves the needy because the pantry works with Roman Catholics.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.
Although you quoted my post, you failed to answer it. I guess you do see the LDS church as a cult, then. I see it as another denomination of Christianity, and so do they.
I've insulted nobody. If this were a thread about a Buddhist group pulling the same donation, I'd be quoting from Buddhist writings. But it's not.
I recommend a close reading of the entire book of Matthew to you. It might profit you in some way.
I guess following their Church Doctrine is more important than following Christ.
"I agree with you" (post 149)
Thanks, but I don't think I said what you attributed to me!!
"Given that the Roman Catholic Church is, by far, the largest denomination of Christianity and one of the oldest," . . The oldest, St. Peter was the first Pope. If it wasn't for Catholics, Baptists or even Lutherans would have nothing to read.
If there is a law, and you break it, and you are caught, you have consequences. The law itself may be immoral.
On the other hand, if there is no morality, then there is only actions and consequences. An unapprended murderer would not be right or wrong, just unapprehended.
If that day ever comes, whichever sect has the most votes will promptly declare the others 'Non-Christian' or 'Not Really Christians' and pack them in with the Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and other second class citizens.
So9
BTW, I have to leave the thread and FR for the rest of the afternoon to take care of work matters. I won't be ignoring you, and will respond to your messages later on.
Sometimes, work has to take precedence over Free Republic, sadly enough.
This type of thing is what turns people away from organized religion.
You insulted everyone, and you are leaving for the wrong reason. You should leave out of politeness.
Speak for yourself. You certainly don't speak for all believers here.
"Yeah, those Baptist cults are tough!"
You're tellin' me! You can't dance OR drink, unless you do so in such a manner as to not get caught by other Baptists!!
"The Lord loves us all, of course, but I think if He was on the ground today, he would spend a period of time slapping the crap out of the so-called Christians.'
You are right He would be pulling the Cat O Nine Tails out on the many so called believers. This is embarassing to me as a Christian. These are no more than spiritual children and God will never trust them with any significant to do for His kingdom.
Don't bother on my account. Your opinons on Christian matters are irrelevant.
"Baptists or even Lutherans would have nothing to read."
And nothing to revise into yet-another edition of the New Testament...
True. I like to dance.
"You insulted everyone, "
Not me.
His Kingdom will come. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ the Savior.
It could be that all we're talking about here is the church's decision to feed the hungry by means X rather than by means Y.
You are correct. I'll rephrase, IMO, all believers should be insulted when a person who thinks you are stupid and childish tells you how to interact with each other.
I stand corrected.
It's hard to convert a man when you are kicking him in the butt.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.