Comments on: A Word From Suzii – Religious Liberty: Present Tense

By: Jerry Bradley

Jerry Bradley — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:52 +0000

I have a concern about issues I see that will be coming to confront our public/private partnerships. One of our faith based ministries contracts heavily with both the state and Federal government. Thus far nothing has been said about our hiring only Christians to work in this agency, but the day may be coming when that could become an issue. The staff are careful about proselytizing, but do openly live their faith. They deliver professional services from a Christian values base. If the time arrives when we cannot discriminate in hiring and if sexual preference becomes a protected class, this wonderful agency may need to dissolve or be cut loose as an independent program no longer associated with Texas Baptists.

By: Arthur Sherwood

Arthur Sherwood — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:14:01 +0000

I remain concerned about the establishment of “faith-based” anything in government; it will ultimately lead to unsatisfactory or unacceptable compromises on both sides. While the intent of providing for the common good is worthwhile, the risk is great. For example, I don’t understand how any evangelical organization can accept the limitations on its actions implied in the Federal Code cited above, “not used to advance a sectarian purpose or to engage in any form of proselytization.” I think the risk to our religious freedom is too great to be worth the small convenience of linking even slightly, church and state.
Respectfully,
Art Sherwood