We continue on with the contradictions that I witnessed at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The previously stated qualifying statements continue here. These are my opinions. Some contradictions are obvious and some need to be explained.
The WOFF website contains very interesting information and pictures. Under the “Outreach” tab there is a header for “Political Outreach”. On this page there are several photos of current and former elected officials including former First Lady Laura Bush, former Congressman Charles Taylor, Lt. Governor Walter Dalton and North Carolina Senator Debbie Clary. All of this is very impressive. Another page in this grouping is titled “Our Purpose”…. This page explains the position of WOFF in reference to praying for and respecting civil authorities. The text goes on to explain the many activities that WOFF and its members have been involved in such as voter registrations, non-partisan forums, congressional prayer breakfasts, petitioning of state and national leaders.
The Articles of Incorporation for The Word of Faith Fellowship, Incorporated can be found at the following link. http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations/Filings.aspx?PItemId=4982905 This is public information on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Under Article X, it says that “No substantial part of the activities of Word of Faith Fellowship, Incorporated shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and The Word of Faith Fellowship, Incorporated shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) a political campaign”. I encourage readers to read the entire document for context.
This statement raises a couple of points which could reveal contradictions at WOFF. First, could it be said that having the pictures of these former and currently elected officials constitutes an endorsement of these politicians of WOFF and their activities? You decide. Second, the meetings held in the church sanctuary, in years past, in which a WOFF member would explain to other members how a politician believes, votes and then hand out materials for such; are these meetings a violation of this Article? Could that meeting at least be seen as a possible conflict with Article X? (see this previous post explaining the meetings..… http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=440 ) In my opinion, yes. I am no legal scholar; however let’s remember why a meeting like this was “needed”. WOFF members were/are prohibited from free access to newspapers, television, radio or the Internet. So, someone from the church with Jane’s approval, took the time to filter the candidate views to the group.
You may ask what is wrong with that. Would this activity be seen as a violation of the stipulations in “Article X” quoted above? Do any of these activities constitute “intervening in a political campaign”? Yes, the point could be raised that these were individuals acting as independent citizens who happened to belong to WOFF. From my WOFF experience, that statement does not hold water. Why would “individual participation” in the political process be applauded on the WOFF website, if WOFF as a church group wanted no credit or glory for the deeds? A closer look reveals no mention of the names of the individuals participating. Additionally, do WOFF members have a record for acting totally on their own without counsel from Jane, in such a political arena? Does that seem likely? Do WOFF members make their own decisions in any area of consequence without Jane? Let me say, from my experience while a member of WOFF- No.
Along similar lines, I noticed that Ramona Hall had filed her report listing her contributors and their contributions along with the expenses for her campaign. Contributors, who gave as little as $10, were listed. Good job, Ramona! (The report is here listed under “Campaign Financial Reports” http://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/dept/board_of_elections/Main.php) One contributor of note was listed on page 19. Jane Whaley gave $200 to help Ramona’s campaign. That was over half of her net monthly check from the church. What a sacrifice!
Here is the math: Jane told the congregation during one service she received check from the church each month for $600. She gave Sam $200 from that $600 for him to “squirrel away”. She is a believer in tithing, so that leaves her $360 a month to live on. (Times are tough…) From that amount she gave Ramona $200! I believe Ramona filed accurate reports. Where is the contradiction here? You tell me. Is it possible we don’t have all the information needed to rightly discern the degree of Jane’s sacrifice? I sincerely believe Jane Whaley wanted Ramona to win. Why else would she give over half her net monthly pay from the church to Ramona’s campaign?
There are yet more intriguing contradictions to come from this group called Word of Faith Fellowship. Make sure to comment below if you agree or disagree or just have more insight for me. I don’t claim to know all the ins and outs of WOFF.
Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.
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(Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) This is post number 126.
Yes, I agree with you. I can remember being told that I should register to vote, or should change my registration from no party affiliation to a party affiliation. Of coure I was told that no one should tell me what party, but R would be more like GOD. I am from a long line of R’s so I made the ‘right” choice!! But I never vote for a PARTY I prayerfully choose my canidates. That was what my Daddy and Momma taught me!! I can remember ( and it seems most often these meeting were on Thursday nights in Greenville) meetings about elections and what the candidates stood for. But always leadership would say ” now we can’t and WOULDN’T tell who to vote for, but this(or these) are the canidates that seem to be being used (by GOD) or are more closely aligned with GOD; even though they are missing “it” somewhat.They did tell us who to vote for as ‘True believers” but said they did not!!! Was that walking in true GODLINESS?? Also I was told, by leadership in the Greenville Fellowship, it was alright for some members to be members of the “OTHER” party (Demos) so people from the outside would not “attack” the Church. But only people who were walking in such a HIGH PLACE could be allowed that priviledge!!! Sounds weird!!!! Hugs and prayers to you~~~ I was good I used no names!!!