Christian Quote by Russell Means
“I say to the Christians and to every missionary on the reservations, you're welcome to have a church here if you can support yourself. But if these churches can't support themselves, then take the hint and quit using our poverty for your direct mail solicitations.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: American Indian Movement Address, 1972
Missionaries should not exploit poverty for fundraising; they must be self‑sufficient to earn community trust.
In simple terms: Churches must support themselves, not rely on the poor.
Key Takeaway
Demand financial independence from religious outreach.
Themes
ethics
self‑reliance
community respect
Mood
critical
empathetic
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- faith‑based NGOs
- community development
- missionary work
Key Concepts
colonialism
faith
economic exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist for supporting missions ethically?
- How can communities balance aid and autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Self‑sufficiency can be unrealistic in impoverished areas.
