The Acton Congregational Church is a mid-19th century, white clapboard, church building and active congregation in Acton, Massachusetts that become the center of national attention in 2018 when a case decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that churches cannot receive public funds to support religious activities.
In 2016 the Acton Town Meeting approved a Community Preservation Act bundle of grants with a total of $51,237; $49,500 for the purpose of develop a master plan to restore and preserve the Church's building and two adjacent mid-19th century houses that it rents out, the remainder of the funds to be used to restore the Church's stained glass windows. [1] [2] The Washington, D.C. based Americans United for Separation of Church and State brought suit alleging that the grant violates the Anti-Aid Amendment of the Massachusetts Constitution. [2] [3] [4]
References
- ^ Andersen, Travis (9 March 2018). "Churches can receive taxpayer money but not when it advances a religious cause". Boston Globe. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ a b Lefferts, Jennifer Fenn (7 July 2016). "Suit challenges use of Community Preservation Act funds for churches". Boston Globe. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ Richer, Alanna Durchin (7 September 2017). "Mass. High Court Eyes Worship Houses' Use Of Public Funds". WBUR. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ^ "High Court Rules in Separation of Church and State Case". U.S, News and World Report. AP. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.