A lot of church groups around the nation would like for the government to help pay their way. They seem oblivious to the dangers this entails; all they see, I think, are dollar signs and the chance to do more with taxpayer funds. Unfortunately, some governments are also oblivious to the dangers and make such funding easier than it should be.

A case in point is Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the Union Valley Missionary Baptist Church wants USD $700,000 from the City Council - and they think they can get it because the council has already given funds to the local YMCA. The Journal-Press reports:

"Dont tell us now about separation of church and state,” when the YMCA has received money, said [Rev. Sheldon “Tony” Rox]. ... “Perhaps we did set a precedent with the YMCA. ... Maybe we can go through the community foundation,” said [Councilman Mick McNimer], adding he would “do everything I can to help you." Mayor Paul Tremain instructed city attorney Matt Zerbe to investigate the city giving money to the church for its programs and expansion.

If a precedent was set, it was not a precedent that should be used to continue to violate the Constitution and the law. Giving funds to the YMCA may have been legitimate if that organization has completely separated its religious mission from its other work - but has the Baptist Church? Definitely not. There is absolutely no way that the government can help pay for a Christian church to expand.

Read More:

• Secularism 101
• Separation of Church and State 101
• Baptists
• Southern Baptists