SBA Announcement: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/SBA%20Faith-Based%20FAQ%20Final.pdf
Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) clarified its position on churches receiving funding through the CARES Act. As you know, churches have a constitutional legal right to discriminate based on religious belief. The SBA and congressional offices have all clarified that there are no strings attached to this funding. These loans do not assert any control over a church’s beliefs or functions. If the government attempted to assert any control after granting the loan, the litigation and outcry would be significant. This position has been publicly confirmed by the SBA.
A small minority of churches are choosing not to apply out of concern for excessive government entanglement, and I certainly respect their opinion. Most churches view this as an opportunity to assist their employees and the economy in this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.
