The bill passed in the House last week might have very far reaching consequences. Some that probably weren't intended, or maybe they were. DP
By LEE McGUIRE / KVUE-TV
Denton Record-Chronicle: Pastors in Texas and elsewhere are worried that a bill that just passed in the U.S. House of Representatives might make it illegal for churches to help some of the poor.
Some who help with faith-based charity work are telling Congress they'd be willing to break new laws set forth in the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 to continue their efforts.
Don Bergstrom of Ascension Lutheran in Austin has become the caretaker for the church's "lending closet," a stockpile of medical equipment people have donated to the church that is given to anyone who asks.
"If you need an egg crate for your bed, I've got an egg crate for your bed," Mr. Bergstrom said. "If you need extension pillows, I've got extension pillows."
He'll give the equipment to nearly anyone in need, but under the bill passed by the House, Ascension Lutheran pastor Brian Peterson worries that could land them in trouble.
"It makes us, as people of faith, really think very long and hard about how we are called to welcome a stranger," Rev. Peterson said.
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