Posted on 12/13/2014 5:24:46 AM PST by NYer
It’s Advent and our thoughts naturally turn toward less fortunate souls, longing for basic niceties, and the call for selfless giving. Christ-like love, almsgiving, and prayer are staples of this anticipatory time which brings in the new Church year. The scripture readings at Mass remind us of those in need and our moral obligation toward them. What a sad statement about current times, then, that we are forced to look a gift horse in the mouth.
No, not the gifts we receive, but the gifts we give.
As the giving season continues, as well as the rest of the year, we are often hard-pressed to find a charity compatible with our moral values. The mainstay options of Girl Scouts, UNICEF, and the ALS Association have already been exposed as being bedfellows with unsavory sorts – like Planned Parenthood.
Although there are worthy, ethical alternatives, you won’t find them pushed by banks, schools, businesses, or even churches. You won’t encounter them as you fulfill Christmas wish lists at the local mall. But as Catholics, we are not called to be of the world – we are just temporary inhabitants in the world, on our way to Eternal Life. With this in mind, a Catholic is best served by a bit of research and discernment.
Ring-a-ling-a-ling — the bell beckons passers-by to drop their change into the red kettle of the Salvation Army (SA).Yet even charity isn’t as simple as it seems. What ethical problems surface when the SA is scrutinized? Shouldn’t we be concerned about the destination of our good deeds?
When it comes to large organizations, it isn’t enough to blindly give. As Catholics (or any Christians, for that matter), we have a moral obligation to hold charities accountable. Since there are many options, we are capable of making a difference by giving to good, morally sound organizations. In a past year, I wrote an in-depth piece outlining and providing sources to some very disturbing facts about the Salvation Army. Here, I offer an reiteration of what my research found.
On the surface, the beginning of the SA Positional Statement is morally sound. There is acknowledgment that all people are created in the image of God, and therefore have unique and intrinsic value. They further state that human life is sacred, and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. The Salvation Army also accepts that life beings at the moment of fertilization. So far, so good.
Later, in same section, there are shocking contradictions. The Salvation Army notes that termination can occur when “carrying the pregnancy further seriously threatens the life of the mother” or diagnostic procedures identify a fetal abnormality causing only a “very brief post-natal period”. Further, rape and incest also represent “special case[s] for the consideration of termination”. These exceptions portray a troubling contradiction to the professed “sanctity, unique dignity and respect” due to the “image of God” found in our unborn brethren.
In order to determine collusion between the Salvation Army and Planned Parenthood, we must look at material cooperation as well as monetary support. While SA may not directly contribute to PP, there is evidence that they do partner with one another. Research by Life Decisions International has found this to be the case, and has placed the Salvation Army on their Dishonorable Mention list. Further, American Life League has also found a troubling connection between the two. Simply considering “all the good they do” is not enough to excuse or set aside this compromise of pro-life principles.
As we further peruse the SA website we can also find stated support of contraception in their international positional statement:
“A serious commitment to the protection and care of the unborn calls us to a commitment to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy through means such as access to reliable birth control ….”
Yikes, yet another position not in sync with Holy Mother Church! Don’t they know that oral and many other contraceptives (such as the IUD) are also abortifacients?
Here we find even more, compelling incompatibility. Founder William Booth completely rejected the Sacraments. Although for some years he continued to follow the Protestant tradition of two Sacraments – Baptism and the “Lord’s Supper” — he held they were purely symbolic, until finally he dispensed with them altogether. In practice, many adult recruits had never been baptized, nor was it required. In the end, Booth had come to the conclusion that not only were the Sacraments not vital, they were mistakes. Therefore, in his “Foundation Deed”, he abolished the Sacraments completely. This is definitely not a good match for Catholic charity.
So how should we resolve our moral Advent/Christmas almsgiving conundrum? Do the good works performed by the SA outweigh their acceptance of abortion exceptions, support of contraception, and heretodox views?
In a word, no. After all, the options for charitable giving are vast. We are easily able to find a more ethical and life-affirming recipient for our alms. Rather than giving to a sect that has little moral common ground with Holy Mother Church, perhaps our focus should go to more suitable recipients.
Luke’s Gospel tells us, “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11) Surely, our pastors know of local families who are in need. Perhaps a young woman in your area finds herself pregnant during this season. Pregnancy Support Centers can always use help as well.
Using the comprehensive list provided by American Life League, we can also look for charitable opportunities, among organizations, that are ethically compatible with the teachings of Holy Mother Church. Among these: Food for the Poor, Habitat for Humanity, MaterCare International, Water.org and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Why not give a gift to some such person or group? How about you … do you have any ideas?
I gave today when out shopping...to SA.. They feed the homeless and give them clothes, blankets, etc.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/what-we-believe
I got the following “Mission Statemen”’ from their website and they haven’t changed to please the Left....
“Our Mission
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
Depending on the size and style, I might end up with them. I buy almost everything at TSA.
Frankly, as a Christian organization, I would question the premise they are in any way pro-abortion, but lets say you could make the case they are.
I wouldn't care. The help they rendered beats any weak assertion they are pro-abortion.
SALVATION ARMY ALL THE WAY!
You’re being too generous in stating that their premise is *weak*.
More like non-existent.
This is a hit piece and nothing else.
Someone is desperately looking for something with which to condemn anything non-Catholic.
And yet, they’d be better off looking in their own backyard first. They’ve got that albatross of Catholic Charities hanging around their necks.
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Congrats on perpetuating the fine FR tradition of posting before reading the article.
You done good.
:)
God’s Grace is given FREELY and though our Lord Jesus Christ. If we had to earn it through works and/or sacraments then it wouldn’t be free it would be earned thus it’s not Grace any more.
Romans 3:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:15 New International Version (NIV)
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Ephesians 1:6 New International Version (NIV)
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 2:8New International Version (NIV)
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Ephesians 6:24 New International Version (NIV)
24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Catholic Relief Services gave over $13 million to pro-abortion group in 2012
How Catholic Charities Lost Its Soul
Catholic Charities—and the same could be said about the Association of Jewish Family and Children's Agencies or the Lutheran Services in America—has become over the last three decades an arm of the welfare state, with 65 percent of its $2.3 billion annual budget now flowing from government sources and little that is explicitly religious, or even values-laden, about most of the services its 1,400 member agencies and 46,000 paid employees provide. http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=7587
Salvation Army “exceptions” on murdering the unborn is the view of the “conservative” Republican National Party.
All RINOs hold this view. A real pro-life position on no abortion for any reason is for real pro-lifers who aren’t scared that democrats will label them EXTREME right-wingers that hate women. Santorum, Huckabee, and Rick Perry hold this view, and they could less what the murderers think. There are others, but I can’t think of them right now.
“How many Catholics in good standing with their church fully support abortion?
the homosexual agenda?”
NONE. If they say they are, they’re a liar.
That is up to management, but many of the continuous Catholics postings are a testimony to what cultic devotion can do, while they have served to expose the specious nature of RC polemic after polemic, by God's grace, thanks be to Him.
There are many Protestants threads that can be posted.
You can give to organizations you believe in, I don` think Jesus would be against that, but he was not talking about organizations he was talking about you helping some one if they needed help.
97% is an exaggeration. There are better percentages given by other organizations but it is a huge organization.
http://cironline.org/blog/post/charity-investigator-wounded-warrior-project-4968
see post 66
I wish could get them to a SA in Myrtle Beach (that's where you are, right)?
I have some womens' clothing, but there's also a ton of mens' stuff, brand new. My MIL loves to shop.
These amateur apologists don't have a clue what God says about anything and obviously don't care what He says...They apparently are pagan in nature...
The article stated some of the tenets of both faiths. Information is empowering. The Salvation Army does not hide its beliefs, and their good works are all to their credit according to their teachings and conscience.
The thrust here for Catholics is that charity can begin at home: or at least where we can keep to our beliefs without danger of mortal sin, however well-intentioned.
In fine, it is worth noting that the Little Sisters of the Poor, are presently engaged in a legal battle to maintain their pro-life stance against the new mandates in the healthcare laws.
Those interested may check ALL's website, linked in the article, or check where you can help within your parishes. Sometimes the needy are right next to you in the pews and you may not realize it!
Those who don't agree, give as you see fit.
Those who are here simply to antagonize, why?
Whatever you believe, may God bless you!
Charlotte, NC. My husband is a clothes-hoarder. I have to give his things away when he’s out of town.
Over 30 years ago, I served on the Board of Directors for our local SA. My only connection to them was an office I held in my town so I was completely impartial. I was so impressed!! Our meetings were held in their hall and we were served lunch which all board members paid for. Very simple food, mac and cheese, chop suey, beans and franks etc. We were served by people in need earning a little to get by on. The hall was always immaculate. Their budget was what amazed me. The CE earned less than 25,000 dollars and at that time I was also involved with United Way whose Chairman was earning in excess of 100,000 dollars. The head of the Red Cross was also earning in excess of 100,000 dollars.
The SA heads wife worked along with him for no salary. They were on duty 24/7 being awakened many nights with battered wives and their children looking for a safe haven. Their monthly reports to the board listed all the expenses for rescuing poor souls. Always left these meetings feeling good about the human race.
I NEVER, EVER comment on religious subjects, but the remarks about giving to worthy charities reminds me of our towns shock about 35 years ago when a local priest died and left over a million dollars to his cleaning lady. The church was in an uproar for several months.
I don't take posts like this at all seriously...
Sadly, it does happen...Newly wed mothers to be are faced with giving up their life for their not yet born child...And women with many children face the same situation...
Show me a husband with half a dozen kids at home giving permission to end the mother's life by saving the new baby...
I won't fall into that group...And for obvious reasons...And I'll bet those men who are vocal about it as you are would mostly be rethinking their priority if it was to happen to their wife...
I used to send a check to SA every Dec. and avoid the kettles. Now I send a little smaller check and catch the kettles on the way into the store and again on my way out. You are right, the bell ringers are so cheerful and uplifting in rain and, snow and freezing wether.
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.