January 23, 2001

Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

Today, Amendment I is referred to as “separation of church and state.”  No matter how you or I, how anyone, interprets the intent of the First Amendment, no matter which side of the argument we find ourselves on over the intent of the First Amendment, it is understood that government does not, cannot, should not give financial support to religious organizations and religious efforts.

So, last May when I became aware that Marion County was expending money to an effort that has religious ties, I asked if our involvement was appropriate.

The Marion County Pubic Safety Coordinating Council Faith Sub-Committee organized Milton Creagh’s “Reach The Culture” tours to Marion County which were sponsored by the Mid-Valley Network of Youth Ministries.  Other “key contacts” are Salem Leadership Foundation and Youth For Christ.

As much as I personally appreciate Milton Creagh’s message, and as much as I support Mr. Creagh’s visits to Marion County schools and communities, I question Marion County’s financial support for the expenses involved in his visits.

It is now eight months later and my question has not been formally answered by Marion County Counsel, anyone in Business Services or our county administrator.  I say formally because there continue to be hushed conversations and more information about the depth of Marion County participation continues to unfold.  And, as I learn more, my questions continue and my concerns rise.

Here are just some of the facts. 

The April, 2000, Reach The Culture newsletter shows Nathan Webber as the main contact along side of Commissioner Mike Ryan. Mr. Webber receives compensation from Dynamic Life International/Mid-Valley Network/Reach The Culture.  On their 1998 Form 990 (most recent available) they are shown as a church.  They are listed as a non-profit organization with a religious exemption.

The National Network of Youth Ministries lists Nathan Webber care of Dynamic Life/Mid-Valley Network as a member.  The Youthworkers.net web site states their purpose and mission as follows:  “The National Network of Youth Ministries links youth workers for encouragement, spiritual growth, and sharing resources in order to expose every teenager to the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Last Spring, Marion County funded a minimum of three mailings inviting “Faith Steering Committee Members,” Marion County Businesses, and it is unclear who else, to meetings with Milton Creagh.  The letter also thanked them for their “kind and generous support which has made the ‘Reach The Culture Tour’ a possibility.”  It is estimated these mailings cost a minimum of $1,200. 

Entertaining expenses in excess of $800 for the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council Faith Sub-Committee for this ‘Tour’ included $180 at Alessandro’s, $71 at Jonathan’s, and $115.57 at Newport Bay.

Marion County Children and Families Commission, which receives some state funding, gave an grant of $13,372 for the ‘Tour.’

So far, more than $15,000 of taxpayer dollars went to this ‘Tour.’

Additionally, extensive Board of Commission staff time was devoted to this ‘Tour,” which has not yet been accounted for.  I understand we are the fiscal agent for this ‘Tour’ and I have requested to look at the books.  They have not yet been made available to me. 

According to the January 10, 2001, Independent Press (the North Santiam Canyon newspaper) Mr. Creagh charges $10,000 per day.  In addition to the money spent by Marion County, I understand that more than $35,000 has been raised through generous  business and individual contributions throughout the county to help fund these events.

Incidentally, these expenses were from Mr. Creagh’s visits last year.  I do not have expenses for his most recent visit last week.

Several people have forwarded information to me or referred me to web sites because they, too, question the issue of separation of church and state.

The Faith Based Counselor Training Institute is a Texas corporate charter led by Dr. Michael K. Haynes.  According to a web site, Dr. Haynes “…has written for such platform personalities as Milton Creagh…”  Dr. Haynes is known as a “best-selling Christian author.”

Focus On The Family Canada web site talks about their recent video, Masquerade: Unveiling our Deadly Dance with Drugs and Alcohol.  Mr. Creagh is a co-author and the host of this film.

The Public Policy department at Focus on the Family “…exists to strengthen Focus on the Family’s mission to disseminate the Gospel of Jesus Christ…”

Mr. Creagh’s video is also available through the Parable web site.  Parable’s mission is to be “the leading provider of innovative Christ-centered” products.

I am familiar with some of these organizations.  These are fine organizations.  They are doing good work and providing valuable services and products.

Three people have written to me asking very legitimate questions about my concerns surrounding this ‘Tour.’  Two of the people are very intimately involved with the ‘Tour’ having raised funds personally and acting as a key contact. The third individual may or may not be closely involved.  Nonetheless, I appreciate their letters and questions.

“Is Milton Creagh’s message a good one?” they ask.  My response: “Absolutely.”

“Is Mr. Creagh a good speaker?”    My response is, “Yes.  He is an excellent speaker.”  I attended one of the business lunches and heard him myself.

They ask, “Should communities collaborate.  Should communities bring as broad a base as possible to fight drugs and alcohol?”  Again, I respond, “Yes, of course!”

Marion County should, and does, support collaborative community efforts on many issues.  I support these efforts.

My question has been simple:  “Is it legal, is it appropriate, for Marion County to financially support an effort that has religious ties?”

As a Christian myself, I do not want to see religious efforts diminished because of inappropriate processes and partnerships.  And, it is my responsibility to ensure that Marion County  business is conducted legally and appropriately, which in turn protects valuable efforts in our communities to serve our children and families.

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