SCR 87 Summary

• Legislature affirms that faith-based organizations of all creeds and denominations serve their communities and contribute significantly to American society through charitable work, education, and social services.

• Government tolerance toward people of faith is constitutionally guaranteed under the First Amendment and necessary to allow faith-based charitable work to continue benefiting communities.

• Religious organizations provide essential services including education for over 5 million students, healthcare through 629 hospitals, and social services valued at approximately $100 billion annually.

• Legislature recognizes religious freedom and free exercise of faith as fundamental to American democracy, stating government may not prescribe morals or teachings for religious bodies.

• Resolution highlights historical contributions of faith-based organizations and individuals to civil rights, abolition movements, disaster relief, housing assistance, and poverty alleviation both domestically and internationally.