Americans United for Separation of Church and State are addressing Illinois government officials over grants that might go to some religious groups.
Americans United has identified 97 religious organizations that would receive some of the $40 million allotted to provide social services. Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and dean of the Liberty University Law School, tells OneNewsNow there are restrictions, but religious organizations do qualify for the funds. The Associated Press reports Americans United and the Anti-Defamation League wrote a letter to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, reminding them that separation of church and state forbids using tax dollars for religious purposes. "Barry Lynn and his ilk at Americans United don't care about the people who need help. They don't care about the people who are freezing out in the streets in the city of Chicago who are not able to have their daily meals, who need medical care," Staver contends. "They're only concerned with literally erasing Christianity from the planet. They have absolutely no concern for the well-being of individuals. This organization, I think, is one of the most dangerous organizations in America." Lynn and Americans United are urging the state to require recipients of the money to sign statements promising they will not use the money for religious purposes. But Staver says that Americans United has no proof that these organizations are using the money to preach and teach the gospel. The complaining groups, according to Staver, could end up causing the needy to end up on the streets.
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