I was surprised to see this solicitation for money from The Institute on Religion and Democracy. When I opened the email, I expected to see a request to send money to an organization that is giving aid and comfort to the victims of the Tsunami. But what I found instead was money to help their organization. I didn't know much about these folks, but didn't think their positions on issues of importance to human suffering in the world looked very Christian. But I registered just to find out more. Was I shocked:
And we maintained a vigilant watch over the meetings of the left-leaning National Council of Churches (NCC).
At each of these events, and at others, IRD confronts the pro-homosexuality lobby, radical feminists, and socialist-leaning forces who only see the Church as another mechanism to advance a left-wing political agenda. Sometimes IRD is the only voice of opposition.
They believe that the vast left wing is using churches to advance their political agenda? Excuse me? I think we all know who is using the church to advance political agendas, and it's not the left. Below the fold is the entire solicitation.
Dear friend of IRD:
Yes, as 2004 comes to a close, there is still time to make a generous year-end tax-deductible gift to support the ongoing work of IRD-and to help us complete the year in the black. You may make a contribution on or before Friday, December 31st and receive tax credit for 2004. You can give online by going to: http://www.ird-renew.org/Contribute/Contribute.cfm
Gifts postmarked December 31st or earlier will also receive 2004 credit.
2004 has been a jam-packed year. This year the IRD fielded teams at two major church conventions. We have engaged the latest radical fads within the mainline churches at the Presbyterian General Assembly and at the United Methodist General Conference. At both we experienced victories and defeats... but the battle continues.
And we maintained a vigilant watch over the meetings of the left-leaning National Council of Churches (NCC).
At each of these events, and at others, IRD confronts the pro-homosexuality lobby, radical feminists, and socialist-leaning forces who only see the Church as another mechanism to advance a left-wing political agenda. Sometimes IRD is the only voice of opposition.
And we continue to speak out for the persecuted Christians around the world, alerting the US Church to the plight of our brothers and sisters overseas who suffer and sometimes die for their faith.
THANK YOU for considering a generous year-end gift of $100, $500, $25, $5000, or even more to IRD. We wish you and yours a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Jerald Walz
Director of Operations & Development