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

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

5. The Catholic Association

Children play on the playground at the Trinity Lutheran Child Learning Center in Columbia, Missouri. | (PHOTO: ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM)

The Catholic Association heralded the decision, stating that they see it as a victory against the longstanding history of Blaine Amendments, which are considered to be anti-Catholic.

Ashley McGuire, senior fellow at The Catholic Association, said in a statement posted Tuesday morning that the decision "rings the death knell for anti-Catholic Blaine Amendments."

"For over a century, Blaine Amendments have enshrined into law discrimination against faith-based charities and schools that form an essential part of American society. In this case, a state Blaine Amendment was used to justify blacklisting a Christian elementary school from a playground safety program solely on religious grounds," said McGuire.

"Blaine Amendments are anti-Catholic in their origin, and getting rid of them is more than a century overdue. Today's decision demands a more fair and inclusive approach to government programs meant to serve all people."