Hi Ann
Ann Wansbrough wrote:
I would be interested to know what Clare means when she says that churches function as businesses. The fact that an organisation makes a surplus does not in itself make the organisation a commercial entity. What matters is how the surplus is used and for whose benefit. A case can be made for recognising both religious activity in itself, and the pastoral and community services work of the churches, as contributing significantly to the social capital of society.
I'd agree with that last point. My contention is based on having seen how churches function in response to abuse complaints (and please understand that I'm generalising here, because the varying structure in different denominations means they don't all respond identically, but the general gist is pretty similar). Their reactions are governed by legal advice, insurers' instructions and the church's good name rather than compassion and pastoral concerns. And the bottom line always seems to be dollars, not ethics and principles.
Clare *************************************************** Clare Pascoe Henderson http://www.clergyabuseaustralia.org Clergy Sexual Abuse in Australia Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***************************************************
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