Xphobe,
Yeah, I would assume "heifer" reaches out to anyone - its a pretty good program that wouldn't have strings attached as far as religious teaching. Church of the brethren is an anabaptist church that lets people decide if they want to join the church, usually 12,13,14 years old, it is not as dogmatic as some denominations. The creed is "no creed but christ," however, it has all the hangups of many christian churches - the homosexuality issue is tearing it in half, of course even the name is sexist, and it is losing members like most north american denominations. It is a pacifist church like the mennonites and quakers, but we have members that join the military and don't get excommunicated or anything. It is a forgiving church to its members (and nonmembers). Some congregations fly a flag up front and some wouldn't consider it. An atheist would be welcome. It has accredited colleges that teach "normal" sciences - I still like alot that the church offers, even though I consider myself an atheist. I seldom go but I can sing the songs I learned as a child and appreciate the teaching of compassion and tolerance that are at the heart of much of it. I think one of the beliefs anabaptist churches like the amish strongly teach is "never consider yourself above another person" - "self praise stinks," as my grandmother would say.
A story about heifer - I was a US peace corps volunteer in Lesotho, southern africa. Many families had a few cows, so I contacted heifer, thinking it was a perfect fit, and they said they don't do that. I never understood it and didn't take time to pursue it -I think maybe heifer wants a project where 100 cows from the midwest go on a boat to one place. I still don't understand it.
