My Local (Anglican) church - has just received £250K (roughly half a million US$) from the Lottery fund to finance an extension to the church hall.. Is this a waste of money or a good cause ?
2006-08-25 12:08:58 · 47 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
no
2006-08-25 12:12:34 · answer #1 · answered by amberharris20022000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd love to be able to say that no, churches should never be given money from the lottery fund.
However, it's also necessary to consider the role that the church hall plays in the local community. In an ideal world, I'd love to see it play no role at all. I'd love there to be a completely secular space for the community to use. Sadly, we don't live in that world. So £250K for an upgrade to an existing resource vs. >£1m for a completely new building sounds like a bargain to me. Sorry.
2006-08-25 12:37:26 · answer #2 · answered by Pete S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There ought to be a complete separation of church and state. Since the lottery scheme is essentially operated by (indirectly) or on behalf of the government, it is wrong to give lottery funds to any church group. Churches should be entirely self-supporting. In my opinion, lottery funds should be used only for the benefit of society as a whole, by putting the money into health, welfare, education and community development.
2006-08-25 12:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by Perplexed Music Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not... I never win!
However I do know that my son uses the local church hall for his Scout group, they also have a playgroup there, dance classes and other stuff, the hall is also available for hire... all of these cost money (I have to pay £1 per week plus £25 per year)... So the church must be making money that way....
In the case you are talking about, they are getting charity money so that they can build a churc hall and with that they will then make money!
2006-08-25 12:11:46 · answer #4 · answered by Zoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Growing up in a church myself. I don't agree that the church should be given lottery money either. Especially if the church already has money. But if the church is in debt and going int he whole and needs the help desperatly and the whole community know's it, Then and only then I would think it would be ok. This is how I think God provides the money for that church. God works in mysterious ways.
2006-08-25 12:43:25 · answer #5 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At first glance I would say that is not a good idea. Separation of church and state, in my opinion, removes a corruptible element. Do not misunderstand, I feel church is important, as on the other hand you wouldn't want to be told by the government how to practice your faith. Most lottery's are set up by local (state or regional) government(s) to aid in things like schools, roads, etc., not faith based endeavors, which will ultimately lead to groups of people feeling left out and claiming favoritism, among other things.
2006-08-25 12:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by JimmyJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An extension to the church hall?????? Sounds like a waste of money.....would Jesus care about getting an extension to the church hall??? No he had no problem preaching his teachings outside where people could come and go as they pleased. This is one more reason why I don't believe in organized religion.
A half a million dollars could go to something much better.....study to cure a diesese?? Education?? Sick children?? There could be a thousand other things.
2006-08-25 12:12:43 · answer #7 · answered by scarletbegonias9 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it a State run lottery then absolutely not. We are not allowed to have christmas decorations in city hall, and our kids can't say "Under God" as part of the Pledge of Allegience any more. What is this, SELECTIVE separation of Church and State? If they win the lottery, then it is only fair, but to give it to them from revenues, I don't think it's even legal.
2006-08-25 12:11:52 · answer #8 · answered by cjh1221 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, The church has its own methods of getting money. Here in Texas, the lottery money, 28%, goes to Education, and I think that is a wonderful place for it..wistful sigh..I think we need to increase the tax of cigarettes, and funnel the monies brought in from that to Education as well.
2006-08-26 03:54:26 · answer #9 · answered by Matilda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the church is one of the wealthiest orgainsations in the world! Look at the papal goods, the triptichs in churches all gold leafed and the marble in mosques and the ornateness of synagogues. They don't deserve the cash from lotteries too.
2006-08-25 12:13:35 · answer #10 · answered by marc k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time to do a Audit on all Church assets they are too long playing the poor mouth with Hugh hidden assets especially in property and Swiss bank accounts.
2006-08-25 12:56:37 · answer #11 · answered by ruffian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋