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One of Charlotte's best-known churches has withdrawn support for a food pantry that serves the needy because the pantry works with Roman Catholics.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.
Have you stopped whipping your wife?
I'd say the Bible is crystal clear on that...There's a lot of debate as to what or who is a Christian, but if your're thinkin' on getting to God without being a Christian, I believe you're in for a big surprise...
Your failure to answer is logically viewed as an affirmation that you whip your wife.
Of course not, but I have stopped whipping your wife.
Ah, so you do not understand the rules here? I ask a straight question, not the standard shyster lawyer question and you twist it for your own methods.
How long have you been a shyster lawyer?
Well, the historical Protagoras was a lawyer, too, apparently. The first sophist, hence the sophistry. I believe I understand now what the strategy is. It's a game, and I won't play any longer.
You came onto the thread looking to spew your hate while cloaking it in pretend love.
You have exactly the same standing on this thread as the guy who believes in nothing. If fact less, he didn't pretend to be a believer.
Let me know when you REALLY, REALLY mean it. I lost count how many times you have stopped.
"Let me know when you REALLY, REALLY mean it. I lost count how many times you have stopped."
Uh, I post as I choose, thanks. I assume you do the same. By the way, saying "Bye" does not mean I'm not returning. It just means I'm leaving for the moment. Bye, now...
To: Protagoras
Yes, I pray often for all you protestants and catholics. I pray that someday you can come to Christ.
100 posted on 04/25/2005 11:50:44 AM CDT by Old Mountain man
(Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 96 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
Now, since you have continued to make a fool of yourself, you call in the mods. It's pathetic.
You will note that the moderator deleted both of those messages.
This one.
To: Protagoras Yes, I pray often for all you protestants and catholics. I pray that someday you can come to Christ. 100 posted on 04/25/2005 11:50:44 AM CDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 96 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
Actually, there's nothing really wrong with that post. It represents the view that some Christians don't really understand what being a Christian means. He says that he is praying that those people come to Christ.
I have seen the same said about Catholics and about some Protestant faiths. It is a matter of belief.
Calling a religious denomination a cult, however, is an insult to the members of that denomination. It is very different from saying that the members of a religious denomination are confused and are not truly Christian because of their doctrines.
I've seen that said here many times about the Roman Catholic Church.
Big difference, Protagoras.
I'll give you a corollary argument. I may say that you do not know something, or do not understand something. That will pass muster here. If I, on the other hand, call you "stupid," that would be a personal attack. I would never do that. I might say that you didn't understand something properly, but I would never call you "stupid."
You can say, with impunity, that a certain denomination is wrong in its doctrine. That is your opinion. If you say, however, that it is a cult, then you are making an attack, and that is not permitted here on Free Republic.
It's really quite simple.
Grow up. Call the mods.
1. Yes, I do get to ask questions. The likes of you won't stop me.
2. Wouldn't dream of it.
3. You are doing such a great job on yourself, I feel no need to make an ass of you.
4. You are the individual spewing. Your hatred is obvious to all around.
How long have you been a shyster lawyer?
Careful, the Godless atheist will call the mods on you.
Me thinks this one is a shyster lawyer. In my experience, only a shyster lawyer would ask the old "When did you quit beating your wife?" question.
How long have you been a shyster lawyer?
437 posted on 04/26/2005 3:32:54 PM CDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 427 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
Hey! Let's be consistent! Aren't you going to call the mods?
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