Post by duke on Apr 15, 2012 10:25:26 GMT -5
Right-Wing Religion's War on America
By Rob Boston, AlterNet
14 April 12
From a posh residence in the heart of New York City that has been described as a "mini-mansion," Cardinal Timothy Dolan is perhaps the most visible representative of an American church empire of 60 million adherents and vast financial holdings. [What happened to the vow of poverty for monks that proceed to higher leadership roles?]
Dolan and his fellow clergy move easily through the corridors of political power, courted by big-city mayors, governors and even presidents. In the halls of Congress, they are treated with a deference no secular lobbyist can match.
From humble origins in America, the church has risen to lofty heights marked by affluence, political influence and social respect. Yet, according to church officials, they are being increasingly persecuted, and their rights are under sustained attack.
The refrain has become commonplace: There is a "war on religion." Faith is under assault. The administration of President Barack Obama has unleashed a bombardment on religion unlike anything ever seen.
The average American would be hard-pressed to see evidence of this "war." Millions of people meet regularly in houses of worship. What's more, those institutions are tax exempt. Many denominations participate in taxpayer-funded social service programs. Their clergy regularly speak out on the issues of the day. In the political arena, religious leaders are treated with great respect.
Furthermore, religious organizations often get special breaks that aren't accorded to their secular counterparts. Houses of worship aren't required to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service. They don't have to apply for tax-exempt status; they receive it automatically as soon as they form. Religious entities are routinely exempted from employment laws, anti-discrimination measures and even routine health and safety inspections.
Unlike secular lobbies, religious groups that work with legislators on Capitol Hill don't have to register with the federal government and are free from the stringent reporting requirements imposed on any group that seeks to influence legislation.
Religion in America would seem to be thriving in this "hands-off" atmosphere, as evidenced by church attendance rates, which in the United States tend to be higher than any other Western nation. So where springs this "war on religion" talk? <snip>
readersupportednews.org/opinion2/275-42/10955-right-wing-religions-war-on-america
By Rob Boston, AlterNet
14 April 12
From a posh residence in the heart of New York City that has been described as a "mini-mansion," Cardinal Timothy Dolan is perhaps the most visible representative of an American church empire of 60 million adherents and vast financial holdings. [What happened to the vow of poverty for monks that proceed to higher leadership roles?]
Dolan and his fellow clergy move easily through the corridors of political power, courted by big-city mayors, governors and even presidents. In the halls of Congress, they are treated with a deference no secular lobbyist can match.
From humble origins in America, the church has risen to lofty heights marked by affluence, political influence and social respect. Yet, according to church officials, they are being increasingly persecuted, and their rights are under sustained attack.
The refrain has become commonplace: There is a "war on religion." Faith is under assault. The administration of President Barack Obama has unleashed a bombardment on religion unlike anything ever seen.
The average American would be hard-pressed to see evidence of this "war." Millions of people meet regularly in houses of worship. What's more, those institutions are tax exempt. Many denominations participate in taxpayer-funded social service programs. Their clergy regularly speak out on the issues of the day. In the political arena, religious leaders are treated with great respect.
Furthermore, religious organizations often get special breaks that aren't accorded to their secular counterparts. Houses of worship aren't required to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service. They don't have to apply for tax-exempt status; they receive it automatically as soon as they form. Religious entities are routinely exempted from employment laws, anti-discrimination measures and even routine health and safety inspections.
Unlike secular lobbies, religious groups that work with legislators on Capitol Hill don't have to register with the federal government and are free from the stringent reporting requirements imposed on any group that seeks to influence legislation.
Religion in America would seem to be thriving in this "hands-off" atmosphere, as evidenced by church attendance rates, which in the United States tend to be higher than any other Western nation. So where springs this "war on religion" talk? <snip>
readersupportednews.org/opinion2/275-42/10955-right-wing-religions-war-on-america