LTRP Commentary: The article below our commentary written by Washington Times is a sign of the times. Here is the sign: If a bill is passed in California that removes the non-profit tax-exempt status from any youth organization that doesn’t allow those openly practicing homosexuality to be leaders in that organization, it is just a matter of time when other states will follow suit. California has usually led the way in “revolutionary” law changes. We believe that day WILL come when such a bill passes. The Implications? In time, and probably less rather than more, ALL non-profits will be at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they do not hire those who openly live a homosexual lifestyle as leaders. This will include missionary organizations, Christian youth organizations, retreat centers, churches, seminaries – virtually all facets of the Christian church because almost all Christian organizations are under the government’s tax-exempt status.
The handwriting is on the wall. Perhaps it’s time Christian non-profits start moving toward dropping their non-profit status and becoming financially independent without it. Otherwise, what could happen (and it could happen practically overnight) is that when it becomes “law” to allow those practicing homosexuality to lead Christian organizations, these organizations with either have to fall into step with these laws or lose their tax-exempt status and cave in financially because they depended so heavily on that status.
It isn’t easy being a Christian ministry that ISN”T non-profit 501 (c)3. We should know. Lighthouse Trails opted not to apply for that status 11 years ago when we launched because even back then we could see that it would both mean coming under restrictions that would one day mean having to compromise our faith and compromise our ability to report factual evidence accurately. Not having that status, though, means Lighthouse Trails doesn’t get very many donations because such donations are not tax deductible. Thus, we must work all the harder to keep financially sound.
While we realize that some day laws will most likely try to force even for-profit groups and businesses to hire those who practice homosexuality, the first target will be the non-profits. Perhaps it is time for Christian non-profits to evaluate just exactly what it means to take this handout from the government and to ponder just how high the cost may be. We live in a fallen sinful world with fallen sinful governments. Remember the admonitions of Jesus Christ: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16-see more below). The day is coming when we, as Christians, may not be able to work the work of God, at least in the same capacity and freedom we presently have in the Western world. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him tht sent me, whilt it is day: the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4). We should not be disheartened though for we are also told by Jesus: “[S]ee that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass” (Matthew 24:6).
As for the Boy Scouts, obviously the Boy Scouts are being pressured to lift their ban on homosexuals not being allowed to be leaders in the Boy Scouts. If they do, there is another serious implication about this situation. In the history of man, societies and nations have come and gone. Some sociologists have taught that the final taboo societies and civilizations have become involved with before becoming extinct is what is referred to as “man-boy love.” By allowing openly practicing homosexuals complete access to young vulnerable boys, America is jeopardizing her existence like never before. Saying this is obviously politically incorrect, but it’s the truth and it needs to be said.
“Calif. [homosexual]-rights bill aims to strip Boy Scouts of tax-exempt status”
Scouting organizations in California that bar open homosexuals as leaders and members could lose their state tax-exempt status if a bill is enacted.
The Youth Equality Act has a broad sweep, covering not only the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girls Scouts, but also such youth organizations as the Little League, Bobby Sox, Campfire Inc., Future Farmers of America, 4-H Clubs, Boys’ Clubs, Girls’ Clubs, Special Olympics, California soccer associations and Pop Warner football.
The proposed legislation “seeks to end the unfortunate discriminatory and outdated practices by certain youth groups by revoking their tax-exemption privilege, should they not comply with our nondiscrimination laws,” said California State Sen. Ricardo Lara, an openly gay lawmaker who is also lead sponsor of SB 323. Click here to read more.
More of Matthew 10:
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Matthew 10:11-23)
