Why One Pastor Is Accusing Atheists of 'Taking Food Out of the Mouths of Children

A South Carolina elementary school is under fire after raising money to donate food to a local panty. The problem? The anti-poverty charity is part of a Christian church, leading an atheist group to send a letter threatening a possible lawsuit if the outreach continues.

The problem started when students at Oakbrook Elementary School in Ladson, South Carolina, raised money this month to buy essential grocery items to be included in the food panty at the Old Fort Baptist Church, according to the Summerville Journal Scene.

The main argument on behalf of the American Humanist Association, a secular activist group, is that it is illegal for a public school to raise funds for a church. So, parents' complaints led the organization to fire off a letter to the Dorchester School District Two decrying the alleged constitutional violation.

American Humanist Association

"The fundraiser, advertised through flyers given to the students and their parents and on the school’s website, involved the sale of 'thank you grams,' which students are encouraged to purchase and have delivered to their classmates and teachers during homeroom," read a press release from the American Humanist Association. "All of the proceeds raised from the 'thank you grams'  will go directly to the local church to aid in its mission trips to proselytize Christianity."

But principal Monica O’Dea said that the money isn't being sent to the church directly and that it will, instead, be used to purchase food that will be donated to the pantry. Regardless, the American Humanist Association wants the school to support more secular causes.

Pastor Eric Lethco told the Post and Courier that the school has partnered with the church for years and that the money supports the food bank and medical clinic, not missions work.

"Of course everything we do as a church is connected to Jesus," he told the outlet. "But they're just taking food out of the mouths of children."

The letter, dated November 20, charges the school with violating the Establishment Clause and claims that the district could be sued over the purported infraction.

"This letter serves as an official notice of the unconstitutional activity and demands that the School District terminate this and any similar illegal activity immediately," the letter concludes. "We are most hopeful that you will recognize the concerns raised by this letter and address them properly."

The district is currently looking into the matter.

(H/T: Summerville Journal Scene)