I honestly believe that we have reached a new era. Though religious freedoms must stand more accountability must be forced. As our laws are today churches have liberties beyond that available to any other group or individual in this nation. Stick the religious label on it and you get tax free status and are allowed to run amuck of most laws.
Millions of poor people give to religious organizations so that the leaders can live in wealth- build mega churches and build build build. Seldom do you see a "I love jesus" bumber stickers on a luxury car- its always the beat up smoking old car from the poorest parts of town.
Most states do not require church leaders to report allegations of abuse.
It is time that churches and religious organizations were put under more scrutiny. You must be allowed freedom of belief but you must also be accountable to people.
1st. step. Enact laws that require a church leaders to report serious crimes of all sorts. Give the law meat. Failure to report= loss of tax free status.
2. Set limitations on a churches fund raising abilities. Of course churches can accept donations. However, a church or religion should be required to provide a accurate accounting of all the monies and what it is used for. This accounting should be made available to those making donations and should be subject to an unbiased audit at the request of church members. Again, abuse of monies = loss of tax free status.
3. Limits as to size and location of church facilities. Citizens should have more of a voice as to the size and location of churches just as those donating monies should have a voice in how their donations are spent.
4. Prosecution of church members under the "allienation of affection" laws that are on the books in most states. Shunning is nothing more than allienation of affection. It is the withholding of the normal love and attention that is due to family members.
5. Pass laws that would require each individual citizen to report abuse crimes FIRST to authorities. Make each individual church member personally responsible for a failure on thier part to notify authorities first of any suspected child abuse crime. Let the professionals investigate.
6. Manditory state prosecutions of chid abuse cases. Do not leave the decision in the hands of the victims who may be intimidated due to religious belief. The state would be required by law to prosecute each case.
7. Require churches to post a listing of convicted pediphiles for the members.
8. Require religious organizations to be certain that abuse victims get therapy from professionals and financial aid from the church to assist the victim in prosecutions and recovery.
These are a few suggestions. Some may be valid some not. None would take away from religious
freedoms.
Just thought of another: In the case of a will leaving money to a religion- the courts should be required to always rule in favor of the family over the church if dusputed.
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Edited by - kelsey007 on 29 September 2002 11:58:28