Do we have to take down our religious symbols inside while providing government-funded services?

Answer: 

Faith-based organizations may use space in their churches, synagogues, mosques, or other places of worship to provide Federally-funded services. In addition, there is no need to remove religious symbols from these rooms. For example, a faith-based organization may operate a Federally-funded child care center in a church basement, or provide computer training in a classroom adjacent to a synagogue. You don’t have to remove the Star of David or the cross in your building in order to deliver a Federally-funded service there. You may also keep your organization’s name even if it includes religious words, and you may include religious references in your organization’s mission statements.

Source: Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government (published by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives 2002) http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance_document.pdf

Learn more:

•  Center for Faith Based and Community Initiatives

Last Updated: 4/28/2008