I can understand that some people think that government is more efficient than private organization in matters of social and economic importance. I don’t happen to agree. Governmental agencies are staffed by people that are just as petty and just as likely to abuse the system as people that staff a private agency.

World Vision has as its basis for unity a Bible based world-view, a well defined system of ethics to guide action.

Governmental agencies offer an alternative approach. I recently read a want ad for employment with Pierce County. The job listing for a case worker/probation officer went so far as to say that ex-felons with street experience would be considered for employment. Beyond that, the application form was the most intrusive invasion of privacy that I have ever read. See for yourself online.

If Christian charity focuses its mental and physical energies on doing things right, efficiency; and encouraging effective change, doing the right thing, then I’m all for it.

Christian ministers do have that right, endorsement of a political candidate in not a prosecutable offense. Though in public endorsement of a canditate from the pulpit, the minister nullifies any tax breaks associated with a religious organization. I believe ministers should preach the values of their religion, not the politics of it. People are smart enough to vote on their values without an explicit endorsement made by their church. That kind of talk from the pulpit, in my opinion, flirts with dictating political affiliation and choice to members of the congregation.

Why can’t a secular individual be able to participate with Christians in efforts to eliminate gang violence? I’ll bet alot of the gang members this group aims to reach out to aren’t Christians, so why should they be anymore worth the time of this group then the people they opt not to hire. I say hire and participate with people who don’t share your beliefs. The point of laws like this are to break down barriers and eliminate discrimination. Jesus supposedly made his life’s work reaching out to those who were not like him, why shouldn’t Christians be any different?

Do you know that Christian ministers do not have that freedom to do the same at the pulpit in their church?

Granted, without the folks running the programs there wouldn’t be programs for at-risk youth, but its not quite the same as if the federal government provided funds for things needed to help at-risk youth (computers, activity centers, etc) and left funds for salaries for those running to programs to be raised by the organization.

But with such a small amount of money, this non-Christian liberal has no problem with World Vision getting the grant, however they choose to use it. They are a respected organization in their field and one which my non-Christian, liberal parents have donated to numerous times.