[Vision2020] Pastor Cries Persecution in Latest Feud

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (July 23, 2005) Lewiston Morning Tribune with a special thanks
to David Johnson (LMT Reporter) -

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Pastor cries persecution in latest feud
David Johnson of the tribune

Two Moscow women object to wine use at scheduled August Event

Moscow - Christ Church Pastor Doug Wilson Friday accused two Moscow women of
more religious persecution for their efforts to keep alcohol out of a
religious event on the University of Idaho campus where it's banned.

Wilson said Rosemary Huskey and Saundra Lund want to prevent people,
including minors, from taking communion during a scheduled Aug. 7 worship
ceremony in the UI Kibbie Dome.

"Why Rose and Saundra want to prevent our kids from taking the Lord's supper
is simply beyond me," said Wilson.

But Huskey and Lund, who've also challenged the tax-exempt status of church
properties linked to Wilson, said they simply want Wilson and people
attending the Trinity Festival at UI to observe state law and adhere to
policies set by the Idaho State Board of Education.

"He doesn't have to be a victim, here," Huskey said, responding to Wilson's
words.  "My issue was serving alcohol to minors in a state building."

"We don't want to prevent their children or anyone from taking communion,"
said Lund.  "He needs to follow the rules of the venue he chooses."

Trinity Festival, a three-day history conference, is scheduled to begin Aug.
8 on the UI campus.  Wilson said people from two Moscow churches, one
Spokane church and congregations across the country will attend.  The
festival is sponsored by Credenda/Agenda, a magazine that's part of Wilson's
religious ministries.

"This is an example of pettiness," Wilson said of Huskey and Lund's
complaint to UI officials.

The two women confirmed they indeed questioned UI's handling of the
conference after making requests for public records.  "We couldn't find
anything indicating they (Trinity Festival organizers) had applied for a
permit," said Lund.

Wilson said he has applied for a permit but wasn't certain of the status of
his application.

Lund suggested the application was made only after she and Huskey raised the
issue.  "And that still doesn't address their intention to serve alcohol to
children.

Luci Willits, spokeswoman for the state board, said most waivers on campus
alcohol bans are now at the discretion of university and college presidents.
UI President Tim White could not be reached for comment.  Attempts to
contact other UI officials about the status of the application also failed.

Wilson said he and other festival organizers are making contingency plans to
hold the worship service off campus if UI denies the application.  "The
folks at the Kibbie Dome have been fantastic," Wilson said, "but they're
kind of caught in the middle."  While the communion wine contains alcohol,
said Wilson, it's offered in thimble-sized portions.

"It's not because I have a quarrel with how they celebrate the Lord's
supper," said Huskey.

"I was raised taking the Lord's supper and we never used wine," said Lund.
"We don't want to prevent their children from taking communion."

Both Huskey and Lund have said they are Christians and their actions against
Wilson are not personal as much as they are necessary to guarantee equal
treatment under the law.  They've accused Wilson and his followers of
arrogantly skirting the law while seeking a stronger foothold in the
community.

The women have scored a couple of victories in the battle, most recently
convincing the Latah County commissioners to keep the Christ Church office
building and half of New St. Andrews College in downtown Moscow on the tax
rolls.

Wilson, who's on the college's advisory board, has said Huskey and Lund are
singling him out because they take exception to his religious teachings.  He
said if their concerns are genuine, they'd be questioning the legalities of
other churches and tax-exempt properties in town.

The women have denied Wilson's persecution accusations, but admit they
disagree with most of what he preaches and teaches.  As far as the
legalities of other churches and tax-exempt properties, Huskey and Lund say
public officials should be enforcing the law.

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"Wilson said he has applied for a permit but wasn't certain of the status of
his application."

Perhaps it is located in the netherworld along with NSA'a application for
accreditation.

Wilson and Christ Church were informed of the alcohol permit requirement
back on October 22, 2004.  See item #8 under "My notes from the meeting" at:

http://www.tomandrodna.com/TF2K5/UI_Req_TaxExempt_01.htm

It is now July 23, 2005 (two weeks prior to the festival).  Not being " . .
. certain of his application," is the best response he can provide?

Wilson can fire off letters of complaint to the UI President and the
Governor of Idaho before the ink dries, but nine months after being informed
of the requirement he is still unaware of the status of his alleged
application to serve alcohol in a state-financed facility????????????????

As far as this festival being a "history conference", I will be providing a
"Not On The Palouse, Not Ever (Trinity Fest 2005)" update concerning its
three glorious speakers (Wilson, Wilkins, and Lillback) in the next few
days.

Take care, Moscow.

Tom Hansen 


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"When people sin, everybody has to pay."

- Douglas Wilson of Wilson, Inc. (dba Christ Church) (June 7, 2002)

For more details:  http://www.tomandrodna.com/notonthepalouse or
http://www.tomandrodna.com/TF2K5

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