Housing allowance appeal moves forward

Last Updated: April 30, 2018By

A Christian-based legal rights group urges pastors to express their support for the clergy housing allowance as a case moves forward in federal court.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago is to consider an appeal of a lower court ruling that the allowance constitutes an unconstitutional preference for religion. The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed the lawsuit.

Among others, a group of clergy is contesting the decision. The Alliance for Defending Freedom (ADF) plans to submit a friend-of-the-court brief and is calling for pastors to sign on to it. Noting the allowance has existed for 50-plus years, the ADF cites three reasons pastors should consider signing:

  • ïThe allowance provides more separation between church and state, not less
  • ïIt allows churches to use their resources to further their mission without government interference
  • ïIt helps pastors in rural areas answer the call to ministry

Without the exemption, many ministers would face financial pressure to forego their religious calling and pursue other full-time work, said the ADF’s Sarah Kramer. 

“This is especially true of ministers of smaller, less-established religious groups and denominations as their congregations cannot shoulder the burden of increasing their pastor’s compensation,” Kramer said. 

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