In an article originally published on the FedSoc Blog, Richard W. Garnett posits that the Supreme Court decision in Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue is an important case in religious freedom jurisprudence because the Supreme Court affirmed that governments cannot discriminate against religious institutions and religious practice. Garnett describes how a longstanding misapplication of the principle of separation of church and state has led to both judicial and legislative bodies disadvantaging religious educational institutions. Garnatt notes: “The Espinoza decision should help to remove a longstanding barrier in many states to educational reform and to choice-based programs that enhance educational opportunities, especially for low-income families.”
The church parking tax imposed on religious and secular nonprofits as part of the 2017 tax reform law was repealed in December 2019. The repeal is not only important for relieving a financial and administrative burden on these community-serving organizations, but even more so for restoring the historic and constitutional independence of primary religious institutions from governmental pressures.
This article will discuss organizational best practices for Michigan churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) that receive, or are considering receiving, government grants or contracts. It emphasizes how an organization can maintain its faith-based mission and identity even if the organization is considering partnering with government. This resource will help an FBO consider guidelines for accepting government and private funds in a way that aligns with its sacred mission.