There isn’t a better way to sum up the Right’s view of Christianity than the phrase “theme park.” So it’s only fitting that the Vision Iowa board of directors would want to build a theme park, called “The Shepard’s Garden” — another extremely fitting name, given all the sheep that will be getting fleeced. There’s just one catch: Vision Iowa is getting a grant from the state of Iowa, to the tune of $140,000, to build the park.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has sent a letter asking that the grant be rescinded, and Tina Hoffman, the spokeswoman for the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which oversees Vision Iowa, said that they’re “conferring with legal counsel.”
According to the Sioux City Journal:
Hoffman and Garry Smith, chief fundraiser for The Shepherd’s Garden, have said the grant would pay only for green space at the park and not for any of the Christian features.A fundraising brochure describes the park, under construction at the corner of Sixth and Jackson streets, as a “location for outdoor events and Christian displays” and says the project was inspired by “concern over the retreat of Christianity from the public square.”
Smith, of Sioux City, has said The Shepherd’s Garden board did not try to hide the religious aspect of the $810,000 park but separated out those elements on its grant application.
Smith added “We are moving forward. I am hoping this is a nonissue.”
“Retreat of Christianity from the public square?” What planet are these people living on?
No comments:
Post a Comment