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One of Charlotte's best-known churches has withdrawn support for a food pantry that serves the needy because the pantry works with Roman Catholics.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.
Great! Isn't it amazing how God gets even atheists into the act. A contribution all of the way from Minnesota down to North Carolina.
What does "free for the asking" mean? Are you telling me sinners do not have to change their ways? Does Scott Peterson now get to be saved without changing his course?
Why do you care what it teaches? You reject the central teaching, so who the heck cares what you think?
It seems to me the issue is not about doing something to "get you into heaven". The issue seems to be that as a person who believes you are saved, what do you do with your faith; what does God call you to do; ignore the poor in your community, or simply lend a helping hand with others? If your are saved, is your contribution "polluted" if it is co-mingled with contributions from the "unsaved", who had the same good intentions, good expression of their faith, as you did?
If you do not stand and present yourself, with your faith, openly, among people who have not come witness your faith, then who will? The only door you are closing is the door you shut your faith behind.
... perhaps they will find ministry opportunities they feel more comfortable with
"Great! Isn't it amazing how God gets even atheists into the act."
I donate to Loaves and Fishes here in the Twin Cities, too. God has nothing to do with my donations, nor do I not donate to organizations that are church-based. I make donations based on what the organization does.
""However the New Testament (II Corinthians 6:14) also teaches us that we should not yoke ourselves unevenly (meaning with unbelievers). "
Why do you care what it teaches? You reject the central teaching, so who the heck cares what you think?"
Actually, the parable of the Good Samaritan seems to fit this case perfectly!
We are expected to take care of all of God's people no matter who they are.
"It seems to me the issue is not about doing something to "get you into heaven". The issue seems to be that as a person who believes you are saved, what do you do with your faith; "
And that, I believe, is the message in the passage from James that I quoted. It is not that works will get you into heaven, according to Christianity, but that works are evidence of your faith.
I suspect that the second chapter of James is not one of the frequently used texts in the church which cancelled its donation. It's not a popular New Testament book among some Protestant denominations.
"Your citing of a book you reject is like Hitler pontificating on the rights of citizens."
Oh? And you contribute to an agency called "Loaves and Fishes"? Still, if your statement was completely true, North Carolina is a "richer" place.
Just exactly what it says...Faith + nothing = Salvation...Just ask Jesus to save you...
Are you telling me sinners do not have to change their ways? Does Scott Peterson now get to be saved without changing his course?
Your heart gets changed...(Man judges the outward appearance, God judges the heart...)And as a result of the change of heart, you will see the sin that you previously took for granted...
Even Paul the Apostle couldn't get over his sinful nature after he got saved, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
But to answer your question, you will repent in your heart as a result of your salvation and you will want, and try to do good, and will even succeed at times...
Yep, it's great to be free enough to point out what a hypocrite you are.
You quoting the bible is so far past ludicrous it's pathetic.
A believer in nothingness preaching what Christians should do in their relationships with each other is height of arrogance.
Believers caring what you say about faith is like the founders caring what King George thought about our new form of government.
I do not believe the issue is a matter of anyone "paying homage" to anyone else, or to any other "Church". The joint effort is not a "missionary" effort to "spread their version of the truth through ministry". As individuals and as contributing churches the joint effort of helping the poor is a mutual expression that comes, individually, from the persons and from each church, as an expression of something they feel called to do - helping the poor. It is not an effort that makes any attempt to say "I endorse you" or "you must endorse me". It is a mutual effort that endorses something they each feel called, in their own way, to do.
I believe the one church's negative response comes from a misplaced sense of fear; which they should not have if they believe God is walking with them.
"Oh? And you contribute to an agency called "Loaves and Fishes"? "
Sure. They do good work, wherever they are. The Bible exists. I agree with its social teachings, as I agree with Jesus' social teachings. It's very well done and represents the culmination of social mores up to the time Jesus lived.
I can do that without believing in the divinity of Jesus. Wise teachers leave behind wisdom, and wise men listen to wise teachers. That I do not believe in any sort of supernatural entity does not mean that I do not believe in the wisdom of wise men.
That's fine. You keep on making personal attacks. You're free to do so, and they don't bother me. If you don't mind, though, I'll refrain from returning such attacks. I find them noisome.
That is the Protestant view of James 2.
That always has been incorrect. And being incorrect is what you do best. Not to mention that this isn't a competition, so there is no loser.
You appear to have some sort of problem with my posting on this thread.
No problem. Just making sure I get to comment about things just like you. You don't seem to be bright enough to understand how moronic your comments are on this subject.
Isn't it nice that you are not in charge of Free Republic?
Yes, I don't have the time nor inclination.
Do you wish to comment on the passage I quoted from James? Perhaps you can offer an explanation for his views on the subjects of faith and works.
Why on earth would I discuss the bible with someone who rejects it? You can't seriously think your opinion would matter one bit to any thinking person on this topic.
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