Money, money, charities and the WTBTS

by jgnat 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  jgnat

  Is it wrong for a charity to ask for money?

  Is it wrong for congregation members to demand a public accounting from their denomination on how money their is spent?

  Demanding a tithe as God's due - is it scriptural for today's Christians?

  Is it ethical for organizations to solicit seniors to sign over their estates, especially if there are living children?

  I figure with the request for funding comes an accountability for those funds. Every charity that asks should be able to point to how the money is spent.

  Some interesting articles:

  An argument that if a religious charity receives government funds, it must also concede autonomy, and allow government workers to oversee their operations:

  http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hamilton/20020228.html

  Scroll down to "Recent History", there's an interesting account of the Christian Scientist's finances.

  http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hamilton/20020228.html

  Calls for open books in Mass.

  http://www.lowellsun.com/front/ci_3201808

  http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/204866/mass_lawmakers_press_church_to_open_books/

  A small case of theft:

  http://amywelborn.typepad.com/openbook/2005/11/ah_church_finan.html

  A balanced article, IMO, calling for greater fiscal accountability in the churches.

  http://www.thechurchreport.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=106&Itemid=32

  An organization dedicated to greater fiscal accoutability in the churches:

  http://www.ecfa.org/ContentEngine.aspx?PageType=Control&PageName=HomePage
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  IT Support

  Very interesting.

  Thanks, jgnat.
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  jgnat

  Really? I thought question three was a little too over the top, QFR-style.
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  MidwichCuckoo

  1. It's the nature of charities to ask for money.

  5. I do however think that charities are accountable for how that money is spent. There are people now who begrudge donating to certain charities as a majority of the donation is lost in administration. I think charities should provide a 'breakdown' (maybe they do?)

  As I last recalled in the Kingdom Hall, there were 2collection boxes - one for the Congregation and the other for the Worldwide Work (TM). All JWs believe that the latter box funds Missionaries etc. All KH should receive a breakdown to be read to the Congregation, so they KNOW what they arein fact contributing to, for example, defending paedophiles in court.
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  jgnat

  MidwichCuckoo, I heartily agree. I think all churches would benefit from greater openness and accountability. Just like any other charity.