Governor Stitt’s multi-tiered plan to claim every square inch of Oklahoma—and its dysfunctional government—for Jesus Christ is coming along nicely!
Yesterday afternoon, Brother Stitt held a press sermon at the State Capitol to announce he’s created something called the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and thought it was good.
Here are details via The Oklahoman:
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Thursday he is creating a new Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, which he described as a "clearinghouse" to connect churches and nonprofits to state agencies, with the goal of addressing pressing issues such as substance abuse.
The Republican governor did not say how the office would be funded.
Casey White, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, said later Thursday that two staff members who were existing full-time employees with Oklahoma Human Services will work in the office, and they were paid about $128,012.84 in salary and benefits.
Wow. What a great idea! I know when I drive around our state, passing church after church, giant cross after giant cross, and underfunded school after underfunded school, the first thought that pops into my mind is, “How exactly can we incorporate religion more into Oklahoma culture?” Kudos to Brother Stitt for finding that answer!
In other news—really? The Office of Faith-Based Initiatives? For Stitt, I guess small government only applies when it’s cutting public school funding—not when it comes to spending taxpayer money on religious initiatives.
On the surface, I actually don’t have a huge problem with the state bringing in Ed McMahon to launch a “clearinghouse” to connect community nonprofits—even those affiliated with “faiths” like the Jesus House or Salvation Army—with the private sector and government agencies to better help Oklahomans in need.
That’s actually not a bad idea, but why does it have to be centered around “faith?” That seems to cross a line, opening up a can of worms—or jar of flies—that should remain sealed.
Fortunately, our state has some of those pesky, liberal, godless Democrats ready to step up and defend our society’s treasured institution that separates church and state:
Stitt made the announcement during a news conference at the State Capitol, where he was joined by Rep. Ajay Pittman, an Oklahoma City Democrat, and nonprofit and church leaders.
Pittman co-sponsored a bipartisan bill during the last legislative session to create the office.
Pittman said she considered it a "no-brainer" to build bridges between churches, community groups, government agencies, and the individuals that could use their help. Her district is home to 81 churches, she added.
“Our goal with this new office is simple, but profound: to harness the dedication and resources of faith-based communities, building bridges between our state government and local organizations,” Pittman said.
Wow. Can you believe it?! Pittman—the state rep who was hit this past spring with $35,000 in ethics violations for using campaign funds for personal use—thinks it’s totally ethical and okay to use taxpayer funds to further intertwine church and state. I’m totally shocked!
Anyway, although I think this is, at best, a well-intentioned bad idea that crosses lines, there is one positive.
Now that we’ll have an Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, the odds are really high that The Satanic Temple will open up a food pantry in town—I’d suggest they call it Hell’s Kitchen or Lucifer’s Larder—and that our government will have to work with them!
That will be great not only for TLO content, but also for Oklahomans in need.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
