Christian Coalition Feel Poor Not Their Base

"One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Jesus

Via Shakes: Rev. Joel Hunter declined to become the next President of the Christian Coalition. Hunter wanted to expand the Coalition's focus beyond anti abortion and gay marriage stance. THE CC told him they weren't interested.

The Rev. Joel Hunter, who was scheduled to take over the socially conservative group in January from Roberta Combs, said he had hoped to focus on issues such as poverty and the environment.

"These are issues that Jesus would want us to care about," said Hunter, a senior pastor at Northland Church in Longwood, Fla.

Hunter announced his decision not to take the job during an organization board meeting Nov. 21. A statement issued by the group said Hunter left because of "differences in philosophy and vision." Hunter said he was not asked to leave.

"They pretty much said, 'These issues are fine, but they're not our issues, that's not our base,'" Hunter said.

Shakes wants to withdraw their tax exempt status. She points out that they are a hate group. No argument from me. I don't waat to get into the business of what deserves recognition as a religious organization. (For the record: I'm agnostic.) It seems like a huge pain in the ass. There are also tricky first amendment issues. Both with freedom of speech and the separation of church and state.