"Today, in the few minutes before the end of our service, the congregation swelled significantly as alms-seekers walked in and looked for places to sit. After the service, they mobbed the minister -- and I already had a list of people to see. It looks as though our policy, in regard to such people -- as so often happens -- is falling naturally into place. They have no interest in the Church beyond taking something. Where we see a genuine commitment to the Church, we gladly help out. For people who crowd the pews before the final amen, no. We'll rather support those organisations which are equipped to serve them."
OBSERVATION: This served to protect the minister, and make more purposeful use of our charitable funds. We made one exception. In specific cases, the Church could authorise me to help people outside the Church. However, we continued counselling for the poor.
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