Following the Money

[kweerwolf]

When the General Convention of the Episcopal Church meets next month in Columbus, Ohio, a small network of theologically conservative organizations will be on hand to warn deputies that they must repent of their liberal attitudes on homosexuality or face serious consequences. The groups represent a small minority of church members, but relationships with wealthy American donors and powerful African bishops have made them key players in the fight for the future of the Anglican Communion.

Millions of dollars contributed by a handful of donors have allowed a small network of theologically conservative individuals and organizations to mount a global campaign that has destabilized the Episcopal Church and may break up the Anglican Communion.

The donors include five secular foundations that have contributed heavily to politically conservative advocacy groups, publications and think tanks, and one individual, savings and loan heir Howard F. Ahmanson, Jr., who has given millions of dollars to conservative causes and candidates.

Contributions from Ahmanson and the Bradley, Coors, Olin, Scaife and Smith-Richardson family foundations have frequently accounted for more than half of the operating budgets of the American Anglican Council and the Institute on Religion and Democracy, according to an examination of forms filed with the Internal Revenue Service and an analysis of statements made by both donors and recipients.

http://www.edow.org/follow/part1.html

This is a fascinating look at how the religious right is pouring money into destablizing the Episcopal Church in an effort to get it to "repent" its liberal stances on marriage equality and other issues. It's a long article, but well worth the read.

Part 2 of the series is located here: http://www.edow.org/follow/part2.html

[xchrom]

1. this is my church -- and i have to say

i hope it splits.

there is a point where conversation becomes pointless -- we're past it.

[kweerwolf]

2. I hear ya, xchrom

I've seen my former church, the United Methodists, go through the same thing and feel exactly as you do: Split and politely tell the other side to go to hell.

[dsc]

3. I honestly can't see any compromise

One side wants to be treated as full equals and the other side wants to treat them like crap.