Fantino defends Uganda grants policy against religious, anti-gay claims

[puckstopshere]

International Co-operation Minister Julian Fantino is defending the way Canada hands out money for development projects abroad.

He’s under fire in the House of Commons following a Canadian Press report that funding went to an evangelical group that has described homosexuality as a perversion.

Ontario-based Crossroads Christian Communications, which produces television programs, received $544,813 in federal money to help dig wells, build latrines and promote hygiene awareness in Uganda through 2014.

Uganda has been shaken by virulent homophobia in the past and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has condemned plans for an anti-gay bill there that could potentially include the death penalty for homosexuals.

Crossroads recently described homosexuality as a perversion and a sin on its website, although the post disappeared after the group was contacted about it.

Fantino tells the Commons that projects are financed based on results, not religion.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/fantino-defends-uganda-grants-policy-against-religious-...

[ilurkthereforiam]

I respect any religion that does not try to convert others but will share what they believe upon request.

I've had people tell me that I will go to a bad place when I die unless I convert to their religion.

I told them that I would rather spend eternity in the bad place than spend five minutes with them in their good place.

[pigdog47]

"I know that Christians are taught that it is their duty to spread the message of Christianity.  I have no problem with that.  But, to do that by trying to deliver the message to helpless starving children.  That stinks.  If you want to try to convert adults who are not dependant on you for their lives, go for it.  More power to you."

 World Vision?  Samaritan's Purse?

I think the annual "shoebox" campaign by Samaritan's Purse emphasizes that Bible tracts and other literature is NOT to be enclosed.  I dunno.  

Anyway, from what little I do know, and I have no links,  is that some/ many/ a few (take your pick) Third World nations will no longer issue entry visas to missionaries, unless they have a skill set or professional credentials that enable them to deliver actual physical aid, ie. well drilling, medical clinics, schools, power generation, etc.  It is a good thing, IMO.   

[prior-of-verity*shake-hands-with-your-devil]

In my view NO money should be given to any group who have a religion attached in any way to their so-called work in other countries. It shouldn’t come from people nor the government. Also, no religious group should be allowed in another country.

If people want to help, there should be a group like the Peace Corps similar to what was formed by Kennedy in the 60’s. Donate money to a group like that. I would even go a step further and say that the government should promote students to join the Corps. This would give them more experience to see the world and meet people and learn about others. However there should be one rule……no preaching….no conversion attempts... or your on the next plane back home.

[puckstopshere]

there should be a group like the Peace Corps

An interesting article describing how the Peace Corps and various religious groups were very closely aligned.  In many cases, the Peace Corp contacted religious groups and joined them on their missions.

http://peacecorpsworldwide.org/remembering-the-70s/2010/10/08/peace-corps-and-religion/

[cats1953]

I wonder who would be willing to do the work if the religious groups opted out?