President Barack Obama has signed an executive order which is intended to clarify ground rules for religious groups partnering with the federal government. The order states that religious organizations which receive federal dollars "must conduct explicitly religious activities in a time and place that are different from when and where they do government-financed work." However, the order also allows such groups to use their facilities to provide government-backed social services, without risking their funding because those facilities may include religious references.
In other words, let's say the Church of the Holy Toaster Oven collects tax dollars for part of their funding, which they then use to provide new toaster ovens to those in need. While they are distributing the toaster ovens to the needy toasterless masses, they may not preach the Gospel of the Toaster Oven. However, they could distribute those toaster ovens in their chapel, even though the chapel features a prominent display of holy Toaster Oven iconography. They are also allowed to use religious terms in the names of their progran, so they could continue to run the Holy Toaster Oven Charity for The Needy.
Critics say that the move doesn't go quite far enough to delineate the boundaries between church and state. Rev. Barry Lynn, of Americans United, said, "I am particularly frustrated that President Obama still has done nothing to ban hiring bias by publicly funded religious charities... That's the 800-pound gorilla in the room. No American should be denied a government-funded job because he or she holds the 'wrong' views about religion."
On the other hand, Americans United did praise the order for "requiring federal agencies to provide alternatives for people who do not want to receive social services at religious charities."
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In other words, let's say the Church of the Holy Toaster Oven collects tax dollars for part of their funding, which they then use to provide new toaster ovens to those in need. While they are distributing the toaster ovens to the needy toasterless masses, they may not preach the Gospel of the Toaster Oven. However, they could distribute those toaster ovens in their chapel, even though the chapel features a prominent display of holy Toaster Oven iconography. They are also allowed to use religious terms in the names of their progran, so they could continue to run the Holy Toaster Oven Charity for The Needy.
Critics say that the move doesn't go quite far enough to delineate the boundaries between church and state. Rev. Barry Lynn, of Americans United, said, "I am particularly frustrated that President Obama still has done nothing to ban hiring bias by publicly funded religious charities... That's the 800-pound gorilla in the room. No American should be denied a government-funded job because he or she holds the 'wrong' views about religion."
On the other hand, Americans United did praise the order for "requiring federal agencies to provide alternatives for people who do not want to receive social services at religious charities."
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
An executive order is not legislation. I suppose it could be called a regulation if one were thirsty for a synonym.
Freeman, you’re absolutely correct. Oddly, I knew that, so I’m not sure why I typed “legislation” at one point. Apparently my brain is taking the afternoon off
I’ve corrected the error.
patti
who almost typed her own name incorrectly just now
When I have been in need, I have been grateful for whatever help in whatever form and with whatever overtones. I take it in the spirit intended. I don’t know if those particular groups were legally recognized religious institutions receiving federal dollars but when you are fishing food out of the trash, it doesn’t really matter. I know some argue that they are preying upon a captive and desperate audience but if you smile and nod and don’t make a point of disagreeing, as long as they aren’t tying you down, you are free to go elsewhere next time. And yes, of course I am more willing to join a group who lives what they preach and gives me, a total stranger, help. Isn’t that kind of the point? So preach your Toaster Oven while in my mind I am saying “Microwave” and we can all be happy.
I forget who said it but it is a wise old saying Business,Politics and Religion should never be mixed. Hopefully our leaders will start adhering to it more!
I gotta agree with Barry Lynn on the discrimination in hiring thing. That has always bothered me.
Still LMAO about “The Church of the Holy Toaster Oven”. How creative. Since I actually need a new toaster oven, I may have to temporarily join this group . Thanks for the laugh, Patti!
As with Cynthia …. LMAO at “Church of the Holy Toaster Oven”.
Actually, I need an entire stove. If they do what they promise, I don’t care if they get government funding, even if the leftover money (if any) goes to pay their mortgage.
I have 20 acres our coven plans to develop as a pagan worship center. We will fund our activities by raising plants in a greenhouse. There should not be a charge for worship, so this is what we came up with.