From the ANiC newsletter, I thought it might be a good topic for discussion. Yes, I do like to step boldly where angels fear to tread.
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Kairos, a charity devoted to ecumenical justice and which includes the Anglican Church of Canada in its coalition, has been cut off from government funding due to its seeming anti-Semitic bias. The report says that “Canadian Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney told the Global Forum to Counter Anti-Semitism meeting in Jerusalem that the Harper government had “defunded organizations … like Kairos for taking a leadership role in the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign” against Israel.” Kairos and the Anglican Church of Canada have vigorously protested the decision, saying “Criticism of Israel does not constitute anti-Semitism.” A Jerusalem-based think tank which monitors the activities of such non-governmental organizations disagrees. Citing specific Kairos documents, it says, “While Kairos seeks to promote social change, NGO Monitor stated it “promotes a political agenda” at odds with Canadian government policy on Gaza.”
In an article that provides much more detail, the Jerusalem Post praises Canada for going against the tide of international sentiment and bringing an end to taxpayer funding of groups like Kairos “that played a central role” in promoting an agenda of demonizing Israel.
What do you think?
I think congratulations are in order to Peter. It does not hurt to “swim in the deep end” once in awhile.
A quick scan of KAIROS web site shows themes that are consistent with the liberal church agenda:
Eco-justice
Human rights
Ending poverty
http://kairoscanada.org/en/
The “who we are” link shows their Canadian and overseas partners. Lots of admirable goals with the “ending poverty” goal seemingly congruent with CIDA’s mandate. There is a link to a briefing note that argues that KAIROS did not spend any CIDA money on social justice issues.
If I were a member of the ACoC or a contributor to the PWRDF I would be asking that mission funds be redirected to a more Gospel based mission and away from a group like KAIROS which has a fairly obvious political agenda.
Bill in Ottawa, I read PWRDF’s T3010 form, and as far as I can see at the Qualified Donees list (I won’t post the link, cause it’s ridiculously long, but PWRDF’s number is 8664 34640 RR0001) PWRDF did not give money to KAIROS.
That’s interesting, because Kairos lists both the ACoC and PWRDF as sponsoring partners.
Bill & Henry,
Be careful reading T3010′s. They are not exhaustive. You are only required to put in up to ten designated recipients.
Also to Bill, if you equate eco-justice, human rights and ending poverty excluviely to the liberal church then I guess Christ himself must have been a liberal. I suggest you read Matthew 25 sometime, unless you consider that to be liberal baffle gab.
Eph 3:20,
I think Bill’s comment about those three things and their relation to liberal Christianity is because those phrases are trendy and hip in those circles. In liberal Christianity those things are ends in themselves and the motive is the inherent goodness of those things. I’m guessing Bill does not in fact want to ruin the environment, abuse other people and keep people poor (going out on a limb there though). I think in evangelical Christianity one would have to say that the motive behind these is the command of God and a love for people which stems from the love we receive from God in Christ. I think the difference between the liberals and evangelicals in this is on the priority and motives. As an example, I took a class at a liberal seminary where the professor taught that ‘The Good News’ to the poor and hungry is the chance for food and wealth (or at least an escape of poverty). While I agree that to the poor or hungry food and an escape from poverty is news that is good, it is hardly to be confused with the Gospel, which is so much more.
your fellow unworthy servant in Christ,
Brian DeVisser
#5 the difference between being liberal and liberal baffle gab is not who is speaking but what is being said!
“When an attempt is made to intermingle politics and Christianity BaffleGab is the only possible result”
#5, Interesting. Line 5050 has total of $698,775 and the 10 listed add to $292,064, so there’s lots of room for a sizable transfer to not be listed. Thanks for the hint. I couldn’t find a full financial statement for PWRDF on their website.