Slog
News & ArtsTuesday, December 2, 2008
Homo The Church Militant
Posted by Dan Savage on Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Slog tipper Ivan draws our attention to this post at Kos. The Salvation Army is intensely, almost insanely homophobic—and its homophobia, like the Catholic Church's homophobia, is growing more intense, not less, per the wider culture. It's evidence that they know they're losing the war against Big Gay Fascism. It's also evidence that you should toss your money in someone else's bucket.
1
The Salvation Army sued one of its wealthy donor's estate to cut Greenpeace out of her will and pocket what was left. That a charity would repay its donor by trying to reverse her last will and testament is another reason to pass those bell ringers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/03/us/03w…
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/03/us/03w…
3
You know, religious charities have the opportunity to do good things for people, and it's mind-boggling that they're so willing to undermine their work and credibility by insisting on these hard-line policies. It's like those Catholic adoption agencies that won't set up adoptions for same-sex couples - there are lots of kids who need homes and families! What's more important, those children or your bigoted sense of self-righteousness?
4
Well, fuck, I already threw my annual money in their bucket. I'll have to double donate somewhere else, maybe to Treehouse or a more local charity.
5
My emotions are all conflicted. Salvation Army also runs the reabilitation program down on Fourth Ave S. For free. Many individuals who are transferred to King County's drug court get sentenced to stays there and its the closest treatment facility to the city that serves the real "down and outs". As a member of the recovery community, I have watched this place completely transform people from homeless criminals to people I am proud to take home for Thanksgiving. The only other opportunity for those with financial need to find free treament is at Pioneer Center North in Sedro Wooley and is paid with state assistance and if the times are telling, will probably not be available much longer. They also provide work for it's graduates in the store enabling their reintegration into society. I am incredibly opposed to homophobia and in no way mean to justify or condone the Salvation Army's behavior. As I started my post, I am conflicted because there ARE people who truly benefit from their programs and if the state can't/won't do it and we cut funding to an organization that does, what happens to these people?
6
This makes me a little pissed off that we have Salvation Army bell ringers in front of stores on Capitol Hill. There out collecting money from the people who they'd happily fire from their organization.
People need to put up fliers or something to raise awareness what this organization's practices.
People need to put up fliers or something to raise awareness what this organization's practices.
7
The SA owns a strip of coastline and mansion in Palos Verdes (super wealthy enclave between Los Angeles and Long Beach) that selling could fund all their services. It's used as a "retreat" for top officers.
9
This is why the GOVERNMENT, not private charities, should be in the business of providing social services to the public. Anytime sectarianism is involved, there are abuses and violations of the Constitution and Federal laws. Let the "Salvation Army" fund itself, not taxpayers. I definitely WON'T be tossing any change in those obnoxious buckets this year, and will probably make a point of asking the bellringers what they think about the discriminatory and illegal employment practices of the SA.
10
I recall chatter about a civil war between the western states' Army - more liberal/libertarian/utilitarian in outlook - and the rest of the Empire.
14
The Salvation Army demands bible study and chapel worship in order to enroll in its programs. There are plenty of other organizations and agencies that do not require blind following of religion in order to receive help.
'There is nothing so pure as the heart of an atheist/A simple act of unselfishness, that never asks to be repaid'
'There is nothing so pure as the heart of an atheist/A simple act of unselfishness, that never asks to be repaid'
16
well if we are going to attempt and prevent the salvation army from receiving the funding it needs therefore defeating its evil christian imperialism, what can we do to help replace the services it provided? instead of just commenting on slog.
18
This is very disheartening. I guess I never even think of SA as religious.
They do some very good works around here... Seems like I remember they were the first group on-hand to help out with Katrina victims, too.
Phooey!
They do some very good works around here... Seems like I remember they were the first group on-hand to help out with Katrina victims, too.
Phooey!
19
it's a lame policy. it's lame that a group that is willing to tackle tough social problems is perpetuating another. they do some great work, and many of the workers -- including bell ringers around town -- are not the policy makers (or followers).
@9 what? what are you talking about?
@7 that's a different issue altogether.
@9 what? what are you talking about?
@7 that's a different issue altogether.
22
this is one org I will forgive some stupid anti gay crap
they work the gutters of America and do stuff no body else would touch
the best way is some dialogue to get them
to change at some point
and pocket change collected en masse is very smart
I take food to a church run mission too
they work the gutters of America and do stuff no body else would touch
the best way is some dialogue to get them
to change at some point
and pocket change collected en masse is very smart
I take food to a church run mission too
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