It's no surprise that conservative activist and right wing preacher Joe Fuiten would endorse a "no" vote on R-71, which would reaffirm certain legal rights for same-sex couples. What is perhaps a more interesting development is the pastor's endorsement of I-1033:

Fuiten, senior pastor at Cedar Park Assembly of God Church in Bothell, also recommended voting yes on Initiative 1033, which limits revenue increases for state and local governments to the rate of inflation and population growth.

Other religious leaders, however, see things differently:

"Saving a few tax dollars while needs across our state go unmet is not in keeping with our religious beliefs," said a statement signed by 21 Protestant and Jewish leaders across Washington.

"To live up to our moral responsibility for the common good, we must make sure that the budget cuts we saw in this recession year do not become permanent in Washington—we must raise our voices against Initiative 1033."

Even the Archdiocese of Seattle—which disappoints on R-71—nonetheless delivers the goods against I-1033:

Similar sentiments were voiced in a statement by the state's Roman Catholic bishops, led by Seattle Archbishop Alex Brunett.

"While understanding that state and local taxes are burdensome to many, especially during tough economic times, the bishops of Washington State oppose I-1033, reasoning that its passage could result in significant cuts in funding for education, public safety, health care and services for the homeless."

During the months in 2008 that myself and others worked to pass I-1000, the Death WIth Dignity initiative, the local Catholic church fought us tooth and nail. While the church gets things wrong on plenty of other issues, by opposing I-1033 they are burnishing their social justice bona fides. If anyone should be sticking up for low-income folks and the vulnerable, it's the church.