Everywhere I go and talk about the issues confronting our churches in the wake of a decades long attack on Mainline denominations, someone invariably asks for proof. It is one of the latest strategies developed by the countless allies in this ongoing attack, and clearly a stated talking point (though, of course, there is no proof of that - just the evidence of its consistent and repetitious occurrence every where I go).

There are now websites dedicated to asking that question of those of us who present this material: prove what you say is true.

We who write on this site, and speak in other places, are challenged to present clear and incontrovertible evidence. We are cajoled, we are teased, we are ridiculed.

The simple truth is, as I have written before on this site, those predisposed to a certain conclusion will never see the proof they need. And, as in most court cases demanding proof, through good deductive reasoning we are able at best to piece together facts in evidence and formulate a theory that either becomes credible or does not. While juries who sit in courts of law must look at the evidence objectively, those about whom we write on this site do not. They will continue to cry for more proof, and never be satisfied that it has been found.

Fair enough. But those who do read and listen with an objective eye and ear are finding the evidence credible, and are taking steps to protect and insulate themselves from attack.

And so, we continue.

I have come across a most interesting and compelling piece of, dare I say it, evidence.

It is an internal document of the IRD entitled "2001-2004 Executive Summary." It does not make clear to whom it is addressed. I came across it on the website http://www.theocracywatch.org/internal_document_ird.html.

I will be referring to pieces from this document in the coming weeks.

It is a funding request for $3.6 million, and an eleven page summary of both past accomplishments and future goals that justify the request.

"Now is the time to translate those victories into real influence for conservatives within the permanent governing structures of these churches."

This is what we have been arguing all along: an independent, well-funded outside agent has taken upon itself the training of activists to infiltrate and undermine denominational structure, theology, governance, leadership, and direction.

"Our total program for influencing the governing church conventions of three denominations will cost over $3.6 million for the next four years."

"Even in the churches most denominated by liberalism, there are fresh troops appearing."

"The battle is clearly joined. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to redouble the IRD's efforts."

"Beginning in 2001, we will emphasize training conservatives and moderates for the debates on marriage and human sexuality. We intend to conduct invitation-only training seminars and consultations for church leaders covering biblical, theological, scientific, psychological, and sociological aspects of human sexuality. Participants will develop pro-marriage arguments for discussions in churches, including effective media strategies."

There is much more to read about in this document, and to comment upon.

This document shows clearly the intent of this organization to conspire with and train activists throughout mainline churches to foment dissent, to radically alter their governing bodies, and to oust leaders from their current positions - and to do all of that on behalf of power brokers with deep pockets.

In the coming weeks, I will be writing more about this internal memo and what it reveals to us about an organization that has infiltrated all of our denominations and has sent their trained activists out to do their dirty work.