Not a bad (or new) idea--as long as the organizations don't use religion as a litmus test for targeting clients, providing services or hiring employes.
Hospitals and other nonprofits run by religious orders already receive federal financial support, but only if religious qualifications don't apply to patients, clients or staff members.
Oh yes, individuals employed in a sponsor's religious work shouldn't be allowed to moonlight in the tax-supported service unit--and vice versa. And funds should be sent directly to service units, not their religious sponsors.
As long as there is clear separation of religion and government, federal funds just might allow America's faith-based organizations to make a distinct difference in charity work.(4 FEBRUARY 2001)
