Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Associated Baptist Press Foundation
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Donate Subscribe
Search Search this site

Churches: Take the PPP money and walk

OpinionMichael Woolf  |  May 6, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis and its attending economic disruption have brought a conundrum to Baptist and other Protestant churches in the United States. Should they take the loan and promised forgiveness offered through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offers small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits eight weeks of payroll assistance to help soften some of the pandemic’s economic impact? As long as the church or nonprofit can certify that it has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis and needs access to these funds, it is eligible for the program, a requirement which would exclude very few congregations.

For Baptists and some other Protestant groups, this poses a difficult problem around the question of separation of church and state. Simply put, should the government be paying ministers’ salaries for eight weeks? Even if it is done in a roundabout way, through banks and lenders and not directly through the government, it does eventually amount to government support of faith-based organizations.

“The PPP program does not establish or privilege any one tradition.”

After our Illinois congregation applied for and received PPP funding, one congregant confessed that it made him uneasy, as if the wall separating church and state was eroding. While the PPP loan was fine in the abstract, this person became concerned after the money had been deposited. I understand and respect that concern, and I suspect leaders in other churches may face similar objections during the lifespan of the loan.

Many organizations have already applied for and accepted initial funding through PPP, but each will have to go through a separate process to apply for forgiveness of the loan through their lender. This may open the door to more conversations about the ethical and theological rationale for accepting the funds.

I want to outline why Baptist churches ought to be comfortable participating in the PPP program from a Baptist theological perspective. Out of all the mainline Protestant traditions, Baptists historically have offered the most thorough critique of state power in the religious sphere, being outdone only by Anabaptists and Quakers. As such, Baptist lines of thinking about this issue can be a touchstone for other, more general wariness of the PPP’s indirect funding of religious communities.

While the Baptist principle of separation of church and state is longstanding, what that principle actually means has become fuzzier over time. What seems clear from history is that our tradition’s brightest lights were not concerned about undue religious influence over the governmental sphere. Rather, they were striving to erect a boundary between church and state in order to protect the church.

Roger Williams’ The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution was written to uphold the truth that “men’s [sic] consciences ought in no sort to be violated, urged, or constrained.” Such an argument was radical in a time where religious warfare was rife. In offering a vision of state that was multi-religious, Williams was arguing that people ought to be free to believe whatever they like and that force cannot truly compel true worship. Centuries ahead of his time, Williams would go on to found the religiously pluralist and freethinking Rhode Island Plantation, a colony without an established church.

Likewise, analysis of the Danbury Baptists in Connecticut reveals a similar concern. Connecticut established Congregationalism as its state church under its original constitution. Other states also had established churches. The constitution only provided that that the federal government would do no such thing; states were free to establish whatever religion they like. In an 1801 letter to Thomas Jefferson, the Danbury Baptist Association stated:

“Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty: that Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals, that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions, [and] that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor … what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights. And these favors we receive at the expense of such degrading acknowledgments, as are inconsistent with the rights of freemen.”

Those privileges meant the right to gather, the right to have churches, raise funds, do public works, etc. The Danbury Baptists believed in the separation of church and state as a safeguard for religious minorities (a radical idea at the time), and they wanted it guaranteed, not just because religious majorities felt like being nice.

Such commitments to separation of church and state and religious pluralism are an inalterable part of Baptist identity. They are what sustained my interest in our strange, venerable tradition. These same principles might make Baptist churches uneasy about participation in the PPP program. However, I do not think they represent a significant roadblock for one key reason: this program does not establish or privilege any one tradition. Synagogues, mosques, Roman Catholic parishes, Quaker meeting houses and humanist associations are all invited to participate. That is because government has a longstanding investment in religious communities thriving. Strong religious communities do inestimable good in their cities and towns, and the government has long supported that work through tax-free status, housing allowances for ministers and a range of favorable policies.

“Pass on that money to your community through innovative approaches that do good.”

Most interpretations of separation of church and state have not meant that the government has nothing to do with houses of worship. They have instead been concerned with whether the government privileges some over others.

In addition to the historical and theological argument, there are practical reasons why Baptist and other Protestant congregations ought to participate in the PPP program. Without this funding, these churches risk emerging from the crisis weaker and less able to do good. They also risk falling behind peer congregations that do take advantage of the program.

A decision not to participate in the PPP program would be a mistake, in my view; but if churches are seeking a theologically constructive approach to taking the money, might I suggest this: Walk humbly; walk the walk to which Jesus has invited us. If your congregation does take the money, see it as an invitation to do more good in your community. Pass on that money to your community through innovative approaches that do good.

Don’t take the money and run; take the money and walk.

 

Read more BNG news and opinion related to the coronavirus pandemic:
#intimeslikethese

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)

OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors.
Tags:pandemicRoger WilliamsCOVID-19#intimeslikethesePaycheck Protection ProgramBaptist heritageseparation of church and stateReligious Freedom
More by
Michael Woolf
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • Peter James Flamming, ‘bridge-buliding’ pastor in Texas and Virginia

      News

    • Religious leaders must step up to support our trans siblings

      Opinion

    • Antisemitic-motivated assaults at record levels

      News

    • Lent, confession and the ‘no true Scotsman’ fallacy

      Opinion


    Curated

    • Amid rise in antisemitism, Yeshiva University focuses on Holocaust education

      Amid rise in antisemitism, Yeshiva University focuses on Holocaust education

    • Is Pope Francis ‘The Only One Who Can Make A Difference’ In Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Bills?

      Is Pope Francis ‘The Only One Who Can Make A Difference’ In Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Bills?

    • “We Will Fight You for It”: Can Womenpriests Save the Catholic Church?

      “We Will Fight You for It”: Can Womenpriests Save the Catholic Church?

    • Whitney Houston’s family wants to highlight her gospel roots

      Whitney Houston’s family wants to highlight her gospel roots

    Read Next:

    Christian nationalism runs rampant as Christians and cult leaders alike believe Trump was chosen by God

    AnalysisLaura Ellis

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • Baptist church jumps into service as reunion point for Covenant School children and parents

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • School shootings: How can we respond to children, parents, teachers and others affected?

      OpinionBrad Schwall

    • Part of former student’s case against Patterson and Southwestern dismissed by judge

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Why we should amplify women in all roles of church leadership

      OpinionBrittany Stillwell

    • Lent, confession and the ‘no true Scotsman’ fallacy

      OpinionRobert P. Jones

    • What pastors may not say, but really want us to understand

      OpinionMark Tidsworth

    • Religious leaders must step up to support our trans siblings

      OpinionPaul Brandeis Raushenbush

    • Antisemitic-motivated assaults at record levels

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Peter James Flamming, ‘bridge-buliding’ pastor in Texas and Virginia

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • New court documents show First Baptist Houston leaders knew of allegations against Pressler in 2004

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • A tragic tale of death on the Mediterranean Sea amid Tunisian and British migrant backlash

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • To increase congregational health, decrease domestic violence

      OpinionGeneece Goertzen-Morrison

    • Movements expand and contract, Black Lives Matter co-founder says

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • From a Gen Z perspective, another ‘Jesus Revolution’ seems improbable

      OpinionMallory Challis

    • Trumpism is leading America to the valley of dry bones

      OpinionRodney Kennedy

    • Christian nationalism runs rampant as Christians and cult leaders alike believe Trump was chosen by God

      AnalysisLaura Ellis

    • Dear churches who invite women to preach

      OpinionSarah Boberg

    • ‘He Gets Us’ is feeding information to data analysts and, ultimately, conservative political groups

      AnalysisKristen Thomason

    • Ukrainians join European Baptists to help quake victims in Syria and Turkey

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Two Baptist seminaries among six ‘recommended’ by new Global Methodist Church

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • How dare they publish that list

      OpinionArthur Wright Jr.

    • Advocates for constitutional ban on female ‘pastors’ in SBC publish a list of 170 churches they deem in violation

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Former staff at Knoxville church see a familiar pattern in Northern Seminary’s complaints about Shiell’s leadership

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Egged on by evangelical influence, Ugandan Parliament passes harsh new anti-gay bill

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Baptist church jumps into service as reunion point for Covenant School children and parents

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Part of former student’s case against Patterson and Southwestern dismissed by judge

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Antisemitic-motivated assaults at record levels

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Peter James Flamming, ‘bridge-buliding’ pastor in Texas and Virginia

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • New court documents show First Baptist Houston leaders knew of allegations against Pressler in 2004

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • A tragic tale of death on the Mediterranean Sea amid Tunisian and British migrant backlash

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Movements expand and contract, Black Lives Matter co-founder says

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Ukrainians join European Baptists to help quake victims in Syria and Turkey

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Two Baptist seminaries among six ‘recommended’ by new Global Methodist Church

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Advocates for constitutional ban on female ‘pastors’ in SBC publish a list of 170 churches they deem in violation

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Former staff at Knoxville church see a familiar pattern in Northern Seminary’s complaints about Shiell’s leadership

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Egged on by evangelical influence, Ugandan Parliament passes harsh new anti-gay bill

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Judge’s dismissal of 36 churches’ lawsuit holds implications for other UMC departures

      NewsCynthia Astle

    • Barna finds pastors are exhausted and isolated, which could be an opportunity for change

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • One-third of Northern Seminary students express no confidence in trustees

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • He was wrongly put on Death Row and believes you could be too

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Paula Faris makes a case for motherhood

      NewsMaina Mwaura

    • Sociologists find LGBTQ United Methodists, allies stay in UMC out of hope

      NewsCynthia Astle

    • First American woman appointed a missionary beat the system by funding herself

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Jimmy Carter leads by example one last time

      NewsMallory Challis

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Karen Swallow Prior to leave Southeastern Seminary

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Acting chair of Northern Seminary board resigns in protest of board’s ‘official silence’ about Shiell

      NewsElizabeth Souder

    • Amid rampant antisemitism, most Americans think highly of Jews 

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • School shootings: How can we respond to children, parents, teachers and others affected?

      OpinionBrad Schwall

    • Why we should amplify women in all roles of church leadership

      OpinionBrittany Stillwell

    • Lent, confession and the ‘no true Scotsman’ fallacy

      OpinionRobert P. Jones

    • What pastors may not say, but really want us to understand

      OpinionMark Tidsworth

    • Religious leaders must step up to support our trans siblings

      OpinionPaul Brandeis Raushenbush

    • To increase congregational health, decrease domestic violence

      OpinionGeneece Goertzen-Morrison

    • From a Gen Z perspective, another ‘Jesus Revolution’ seems improbable

      OpinionMallory Challis

    • Trumpism is leading America to the valley of dry bones

      OpinionRodney Kennedy

    • Dear churches who invite women to preach

      OpinionSarah Boberg

    • How dare they publish that list

      OpinionArthur Wright Jr.

    • ‘Woke’: I don’t think that word means what you say it does

      OpinionRoger Lovette

    • The Russian Orthodox Church is a big loser in the Russian-Ukrainian war

      OpinionAndrey Shirin

    • On the path to immigration justice, it’s time for Biden to change course

      OpinionSalote Soqo

    • If a story is meant to evolve, then so are we

      OpinionKaitlin Curtice

    • Angels among us

      OpinionMary Alice Birdwhistell

    • Let’s stop treating the dignity of women as a secondary issue good Christians can disagree on

      OpinionRick Pidcock

    • An Anglican in Babylon

      OpinionLee Enochs

    • Listen to the voices of women

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • Stranger in the Village: James Baldwin and inclusion

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • How can we say thanks? Reflections on the influence of Andrae Crouch

      OpinionDoug Haney

    • The SBC: ‘They are who we thought they were’

      OpinionKris Aaron

    • Blowing the whistle on wedding fouls

      OpinionBrad Bull

    • ‘Grandmas make the best banana bread’

      OpinionJustin Cox

    • Troubling the water, a gospel for the ‘unmet’

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • What has happened to suspended UMC Latina bishop?

      OpinionCynthia Astle

    • Amid rise in antisemitism, Yeshiva University focuses on Holocaust education

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Is Pope Francis ‘The Only One Who Can Make A Difference’ In Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Bills?

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • “We Will Fight You for It”: Can Womenpriests Save the Catholic Church?

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Whitney Houston’s family wants to highlight her gospel roots

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Pelosi on cleric who barred her from Communion: ‘That’s his problem, not mine’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Criminal or Not, Trump’s Case Is a Moral Test for Christians

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Netanyahu vows more active role in Israel’s judiciary fight following a day of tense protests

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Jimmy Carter’s religious values were never far from his presidency or his policy

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Pioneer of gospel music rediscovered in Pittsburgh archives

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • As The King’s College faces closure, scrutiny turns to its backers

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Communicators for Christ: how homeschool debate leagues shaped the rising stars of the Christian right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israeli leader halts bill against Christian proselytizing

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Trump’s arrest ‘prediction’ inflames holy war narrative and sanctifies violence — welcome to Trump ’24

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • German prosecutors examined late pope in abuse probe

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Court rehears case to protect Oak Flat, an Apache sacred site in Arizona

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Antisemitism on Twitter has more than doubled since Elon Musk took over the platform – new research

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israel’s Reform rabbi and legislator on judicial overhaul: ‘It doesn’t look good.’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israel, Palestinians pledge moves to curb violence ahead of Ramadan

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Pope promotes ‘humanitarian corridors’ for asylum-seekers

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Tim Keller and Beth Moore, On and Off the Stage

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Alarmed by their country’s political direction, more Israelis are seeking to move abroad

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • 2nd Vatican official says pope OK’d ransom payments for nun

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Across the country, a push to observe Muslim holidays in school calendars

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Far-right Israeli minister finds enemy in JDC, the mainstream American Jewish aid group

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Charter school movement divided over religious Oklahoma proposal

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2023 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS