Harvest Family Church in Cypress, Hi Way Tabernacle in Cleveland and Rockport First Assembly of God all sustained heavy damage from flooding after Hurricane Harvey but were told they are not eligible for FEMA aid.
As a result, FEMA is facing a federal lawsuit by the three Texas churches and President Donald Trump has indicated in a tweet that he backs the religious institution’s call for a policy change.
Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2017
Other politicians have also weighed in on the debate, which began following 2012’s Hurricane Sandy citing the fact that religious institutions are often front and centre when it comes to providing support to victims of disasters.
Bruce Frazier, pastor of Rockport First Assembly of God Church, which is part of the lawsuit, told the AP why he thinks FEMA should pay for repairs at places of worship.
He explained: “It seems like the only reason churches are excluded is because they’re churches, and it just seems discriminatory to me.”
At present, religious organisations can already receive some government help in disasters, including reimbursement by local governments for sheltering evacuees.
Religiously affiliated schools, health care providers and nursing homes can also receive FEMA grants.
AP analysis of data made…
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