Giving to non-Catholic Christian charities

[NeedingTruth]

For a little bit of background, I am a nondenominational protestant who is considering converting to Catholicism.

I am wanting to donate money to certain non-Catholic causes such as Voice of the Martyrs, an organization devoted to helping out persecuted Christians around the world. Additionally, there is also a local nondenominational Christian organization in my town that runs a food pantry and soup kitchen and puts together “snack packs” for children on the free and reduced school lunch program. Since I haven’t yet made up my mind to convert, I want to give to causes that both sides (Catholic and Protestant) would be okay with. Is it okay to donate to such causes as long as the money is for a good purpose? What about secular causes such as Red Cross and United Way?

 

[Little_One0307]

Morning,

First and foremost welcome to the CAF.

Second of all, I am praying for you in your discernment in converting to Catholicism. Come on in, the water is wonderful.

And now for your post.

For me, I do not give outside of Catholic charities. But I have asked this question of some of my friends here. I know this may not be “Church” doctrine and personal practice, but I thought it might help.

Reasearch your charity that you want to donate to. See if it lines up with Catholic Doctrine or not. I am not saying that the charity has to agree with doctrine all the way down.] Obviously you would not want to donate to Planned Parenthood or something like that. Yet, the Voice of Martyrs from what I have read up on, is a great organization. The soup kitchen sounds good too.

As to secular organizations, I would be wary of those. They may sound good, but there may be some under the table things that they fund. [case in point, there’s some organizations that support Planned Parenthood. I don’t have the list of the names, do a google search on them.] I do not support them. Back before they existed, guess who was providing the assistance with people’s needs, yep churches. And so, I would far rather give my money to a church than to a secular organization.

I am going to stop right now, becuase I am afraid if I go on, it will be rambling.

God Bless.

 

[ProspectCard]

I am very involved in the Society of St. Vincent DePaul here in Louisville, and although it is a Catholic charity you must realize that they help anyone and everyone and it is NEVER based upon one’s faith (or lack thereof). SVDP shelters, rehabilitates, clothes and feeds people of all faiths, as well as people with no faith worldwide, and besides nourishing their bodies they also nourish their souls and give people hope when they need it most. Most Catholic charities that I am aware of never discriminate upon one’s religious beliefs. This is something that is very close to my heart and I hope this has helped you. God bless.

 

[franny50]

There are many reputable christian charities that you can donate to.Save The Children and Samaritans Purse are two that come to mind.When giving to the needy,it is important to keep in mind that charities provide not only for spiritual needs but also physical needs for clothing,shelter,and food.A lot of nondenominational charities have been in existence for a long time.

 

[adrift]

Our Church donates regularly to the local food bank which is run by another Church. There is no reason not to support any organization that is not contrary to the Church. I don’t like United Way because they support organizations which I disapprove but that is a personal decision which you should make.

 

[valentino]

IMO (i/m Catholic)I wouldn’t donate to any charities other than Catholic ones.My point being that I believe that the Catholic Church putss the best use to our donations.It can make mistakes but since Im not aware of any money I donate has gone for a wrong cause I continue to donate to It.Catholics like myself believe that the moral good of the world is due to Christ and His Church and therefore since its the source it makes no sense to donate elsewhere.There are good non Catholic charities but I believe that the Church itself should be doing those charities and it would if all people would follow the Church and donate to it.