I recently read an Opinion, written by a Mr. William G. Faust and titled “Some got it right on Dover church funding.” After reading the piece and reviewing the meeting video, as Mr. Faust suggested, I am frankly disturbed by the pastor of People’s Church of Dover and his request for city funds. It was mentioned in Mr. Faust’s writing and in the video that the church is in violation of zoning codes and that City Council and the mayor have received 17 individual complaints by members of the community where the church is, not to mention a pending lawsuit against the city. It was further stated in the Opinion and in the video that there is a pending investigation into the church’s kitchen and basement by the Delaware Division of Public Health, due to an infestation of bedbugs, roaches and other rodents. I don’t think it’s right for the homeless individuals who reside at the church to be subject to an unsanitary environment. I have empathy for those less fortunate, and the pastor should be ashamed of himself.
The other matter I reviewed in the city video was one that was raised by the community members and a business owner who had to close his shop in the neighborhood. It’s whether the church is seeking grants and city money for personal use rather than to benefit the community and the less fortunate. While all understand that individuals may have personal financial needs, the church should be transparent and make sure that any funding requests be reviewed carefully, to ensure that they are consistent with the intended purpose of the grant or city funding and meet ethical standards.
Doing the right thing is how to make the world a better place.
I would hate to see a place of worship give the appearance of impropriety by favoring monied interests over ordinary citizens.
Louis Orangeo
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
