To the editor:
I was shocked but not surprised when The Enterprise recently capitulated to the “values” of money, power, and influence by writing a two part feature story on the future of Youth For Christ in Leelanau County. The articles offered no counterpoint to the many critics of an organization frequently described in other publications as a “well organized cult” preying on vulnerable children under the guise of introducing Christ into their lives (and damaging many of those same individuals for years to come). Characterizing YFC’s motives as a folksy attempt to bring children closer to God is disingenuous at best and dangerous at worst. Now, like many other wealthy men who are incapable of hearing the word “no,” the county will be forced to incur more costs defending a legal zoning decision because Jim VanSteelhouse doesn’t like the fact the decision did not go his way. Strategic litigation is standard practice across the country when YFC encounters pushbacks from local municipalities or school districts. Specifically, YFC has also filed lawsuits against school systems (and won) when their beliefs regarding what constitutes a “sin” are challenged? YFC employs *thousands* and current posted jobs include “Investment Portfolio Manager.” The fact the Enterprise chose to participate in their coordinated PR campaign without realizing the subjects were in the midst of preparing a federal lawsuit feels like editorial negligence. Apparently “Jesus” now wants to bankrupt the county out of spite.
Tom Frank Palm Springs, California
