i think if i were a pastor in this situation, i would feel hard pressed on both sides.
the average congregation is barely above water. and if other aid providing organizations were being given money, i would have trouble justifying sending money back that would allow existing programs to remain intact. Asking churches to go in to debt becuase they indeed opened their doors seems callous at best.
That said, i do value the church's independance from the state. General aid would certainly be refused. But if specific line item costs were being reimbursed, i would probably accept that funding.
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For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life.
-John 3:16
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