Saturday, January 31, 2009

This article just came out on boxturtle http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/01/31/8492

LDS Prophets’ Latest “Reveation”: Church Gave $190,000 To Pass Prop 8
Jim Burroway
January 31st, 2009
When supporters of Prop 8 went to Federal Court to try to block the public release of the names of late donors, they said that their move was to protect individual donors from harassment. Now we know the real reason Yes on 8 had to try to circumvent California’s open campaign finance laws. In fact, Yet On 8’s chief benefactor had 190,00 reasons to fight the release:
Mormon church officials, facing an ongoing investigation by the state Fair Political Practices Commission, Friday reported nearly $190,000 in previously unlisted assistance to the successful campaign for Prop. 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.
The report, filed with the secretary of state’s office, listed a variety of California travel expenses for high-ranking members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and included $20,575 for use of facilities and equipment at the church’s Salt Lake City headquarters and a $96,849 charge for “compensated staff time” for church employees who worked on matters pertaining to Prop. 8.
The Mormon church had been under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission for failure to report its contributions as required by law. The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by Fred Karger, of Californians Against Hate.
IRS regulations barred from endorsing political candidates, but they allow churches and religious groups to campaign and contribute on behalf of issues. When doing so, churches are required to report their contributions just like every other donor. They are also required to report and attach fair market dollar values to “in-kind” donations, which consist of services and activities provided directly without charge by a donor that a campaign would otherwise have been required to pay for.
Until yesterday, Mormon church had denied any direct financial support for the campaign. I guess some of the Mormon prophets in Salt Lake City had one of their famous “revelations” last night.

Monday, January 26, 2009

final semester crazy

OMG I am crazy, or am I. i am finishing my final semester of a dual degree MDiv + MA in Pastoral care and counseling. I am also working on my 4th unit of CPE and trying to get my thesis done.
During this process i still serve my community at MCC in the Valleya s best as I am capable. then to top it off I am still working towards my black veil for the sisters of perpetual indulgence los angeles.

I need a month off!

peace
Rev. Joe