A significant part of the life of a church is gathering together for worship. While many congregations do so in buildings they own, an increasing number do so in rented space. Renting is an attractive option for new congregations, for those in areas with expensive real estate, for those with limited needs for space during the week, for those in the midst of rapid growth, and for those who simply prefer to be without the burdens of property ownership. In many communities, including my own, public schools serve as the primary source of rental space.
The tradition of churches renting space in public schools is being challenged on the grounds that it amounts to an endorsement of religion in violation of the First Amendment’s establishment clause. In a piece for the New York Times, Benjamin Weiser explores the recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that permits New York City to “block religious groups from using school facilities outside of regular school hours for religious worship services.”
So What?
The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution begins with the phrase “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” In general, the establishment clause has been helpful in ensuring that, in our country, there is separation between government and religion.
- Do you believe churches should be eligible to rent space in public schools? Why or why not?
- If churches were no longer able to rent space in public schools, what do you think would happen to those congregations who currently rely on renting space in public schools? How would this adversely impact the birthing of new churches?