Excuse me, what is particularly political about the involvement of a private organization in charitable activities? Do you suppose that political conservatives are against the second great commandment? Are fast offerings on the list to be eliminated? Deseret Industries? Bishop’s storehouses? Welfare Square? Humanitarian Services? What other programs of the church are the troglodytes against?

Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center which is under the umbrella of the church welfare system.

The Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center was established in 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah to (1) prepare emergency relief supplies for shipment worldwide, (2) train those desiring to develop employable skills and become self-reliant, and (3) offer service opportunities.

Relief Supplies

The emergency relief supplies required by the Church include clothing, personal care kits, and medical supplies. Once donated, these items are processed and prepared for shipment to where they are needed most. In a typical year, the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center will ship about 12 million pounds of shoes and clothing, 1 million hygiene kits, and 1 million pounds of medical supplies to relieve suffering in more than 100 countries.

Training

At any given time, more than 100 individuals—mostly refugees and immigrants—are being trained at the center to join the workforce and become self-reliant. These trainees, representing as many as 30 countries and 20 different languages, attend classes in English, computer skills, and customer service. Trainees are assigned a job coach who, in addition to work skills, emphasizes the importance of attendance, punctuality, personal hygiene, and other basic life skills. Training lasts up to 18 months, after which assistance is provided in finding long-term employment.

Here are some other articles. The LDS Church provides relief to thousands of people that are not LDS, and they do not add “religious tracks” like so many people think they do.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1023346/mormon_church_helps_during_hurricane_katrina/

http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/news-features/church-recognized-for.html

Elder Ballard honored by Catholic Community http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58225/Elder-Ballard-honored-by-Catholic-Community-Services.html

[Bishop Edgley, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, said] “Including language about caring for the poor and needy…recognizes the long-standing practices of the church. I don’t think you’re going to see anything change, but we’re always trying to be sensitive to the needs of others and to be better at delivering relief.”

I believe that by bringing this area into the spotlight many more members will understand those Church programs and will want to participate. Instead of having to simply donate some amount to a vague box in their tithing and offerings slip. I think we will understand better what that vague box stands for. And this is of course a core value of Christianity.

I was being sarcastic. Chill.