A statement of principle regarding government funding of religious organizations was considered March 6 by the Administrative Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide.  The statement, entitled “Consensus Statement of Concern Regarding United States Government Funding of Religious Organizations,” affirms basic principles of the proper relationship between church and state. It is intended to provide a background for further consideration of the issue of direct government funding for the social welfare programs of religious organizations.

The statement was prompted, in part, by a growing public debate in the United States over a federal government plan to expand its funding of so-called “faith-based initiatives.”  A White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was created under executive orders issued by President George Bush on January 29.  On the same day, Bush announced his plan to vastly increase the level of public funding available for religious organizations to pursue social welfare initiatives. Under the plan, funding must be used solely for humanitarian, rather than religious, purposes.

The Adventist Church’s statement of principle, recorded in the minutes of the Administrative Committee, recognizes “the natural involvement of religious groups” and governments in “seeking solutions to social problems.”  But it also emphasizes “the fragility of religious freedom” and the paramount need to safeguard the independence of both government and church.

According to the statement, the Adventist Church will pay special attention to three areas of vital concern when evaluating any state program that has the potential to impact the church/state relationship.  First, the autonomy of the church must not be compromised—“the church must remain free to be who and what it is.” Second, the statement points out the danger that religious groups may become dependent on government largess, thereby compromising their independence or “the authenticity of their witness and voice.”

Finally, the statement affirms the ideal of neutrality, or non-discrimination—that governments must never differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable religions.

The statement was developed by the public affairs and religious liberty executive committees of both the Adventist Church in North America and the General Conference.

Dr. Clarence Hodges, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Adventist Church in North America, says that religious organizations play an essential role in providing humanitarian care and essential social services.  “But, as a church, we also recognize our responsibility in holding up the separation of church and state as a bedrock principle,” Hodges says. “This working statement is a step toward developing guidelines for properly evaluating government funding programs that may impact the relationship between church and state.”

Dr. John Graz, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Adventist Church worldwide, says the church has a long heritage of both promoting proper boundaries between church and state, as well as advocating religious freedom as a fundamental human right.  He says the current consensus statement does not represent “the end of the road” on this issue, but provides a statement of principles that will guide future discussions.