PETERS – With Out of the Cold needing space, where are the churches?
(Image: CFJC Today)
CHURCHES IN KAMLOOPS, as in most communities in B.C., are eligible to be exempt from paying property taxes.
In that way, they are in the same category as property belonging to non-profit organizations and charities such as galleries or not-for-profit seniors housing.
The characteristic all those types of properties have in common, in theory, is that they provide a service to the broader community.
In the case of churches, one would hope that service is not limited to their own membership but to those in need.
James Peters is the radio anchor at CFJC, coming to Kamloops in 2006. He anchors the afternoon news on B-100 and 98.3 CIFM, and contributes weekly editorials to the CFJC Evening News. He tweets regularly @Jamloops.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Giving unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s was certainly an instruction given by Jesus. Does that mean tax free status comes with a price?
It may not be enough for the hungry to be fed, those in prison and hospital to be visited or those who mourn to be comforted.
Jesus became angry at the disbelief of the disciples when it came to them performing miracles. The disciples should have been healing the sick, raising the dead and even calming the storm. See Mark chapter 4 verses 35 to 41 where at the very words of Jesus, the storm was calmed.
James, do we live in the time of disbelief so great that the real need for church-goers is to calm the storm, including Canadian blizzards?
Speaking of miracles, it is a daily miracle that we live in Canada where most people have so much and keep on purchasing and keep on wasting all the earth’s riches and where thankfulness is not commonly found…I so wish Jesus frugality was the example the thankless follow.
Considering the replies you got on Facebook alone, it would be wise you do a bit of research into topics beforehand, JP. Suffice to say, volunteering is the heart and soul of churches, regardless of denomination. And volunteers are not equipped to deal with the tremendous challenges coming from the homeless population. Mental health, addiction and a special a-social attitude for some of them, are not easy to deal with even by professionals.