The federal government has proposed an extensive revision of the regulations that govern the Combined Federal Campaign-the program that facilitates donations to charities by federal employees. The proposed changes have drawn negative reactions from the nonprofit community. Many fear that, rather than increasing giving, the changes will further decrease donations.

And many faith-based organizations are worried that the proposed inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases of discrimination may result in squeezing religious charities out of the program.

Faith-based service organizations should consider commenting on the convoluted and potentially harmful revision to the “prohibited discrimination” provision, as well as on other elements of the proposed new regulations.

The NPRM can be seen, and comments be made, at the federal regulations portal:www.regulations.gov. Type “RIN 3206-AM68” into the search box.

Already-submitted comments worth considering:

US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance