5 Reactions: Supreme Court Says Churches Can Participate in Gov't Aid Programs

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Tuesday, June 27, 2017

2. Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United For Separation of Church and State, speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on July 7, 2015. | (Photo: The Christian Post/Samuel Smith)

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which joined an amicus brief with other groups against Trinity Lutheran, were dismayed by the decision.

The Reverend Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, said in a statement on Monday that the decision "threatens to open the door to more taxpayer support for religion, which is at odds with our history, traditions and common sense."

"This ruling undermines the bedrock principle that no American should be forced to support a religion against his or her will. The religious freedom protections enshrined in state constitutions are worth more than resurfacing a playground," stated Rev. Lynn.

"Taxpayer-funded religion is bad for churches, communities and citizens. Americans United will continue to fight to buttress the church-state wall because that's the only thing that can ensure true religious freedom for everyone."