A West Virginia court has blocked a $5 million grant to The College of St. Joseph the Worker, a Catholic trade college. The grant was intended to support job training and education programs. The court ruled the grant would violate the state constitution's prohibition on using tax funds for religious institutions. The court's decision comes amidst a lawsuit challenging the grant, raising concerns about the use of public funds.
8 days ago
A West Virginia circuit court has blocked a $5 million grant intended for The College of St. Joseph the Worker, an Ohio-based Catholic trade college 1, 2. Judge Richard Lindsay delivered an oral ruling, finding that the grant violated Article III of the West Virginia Constitution 2. This constitutional provision forbids the government from using tax funds "for the erection or repair of any house for public worship or for the support of any church or ministry" 2.
The grant was approved by the West Virginia Water Development Authority for economic development purposes 2. The American Humanist Association, with legal representation from the West Virginia American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed a lawsuit against the authority, arguing the appropriation was unconstitutional 2. Amitai Heller, Legal Director for the American Humanist Association, stated that the ruling upheld the non-negotiable separation of church and state 2. The court's decision came two weeks after it rejected the water authority's motion to dismiss the lawsuit 2.
The $5 million grant was intended to support job training and education programs within West Virginia for students of The College of St. Joseph the Worker 2. The college, based in Steubenville, Ohio, teaches construction-related trades such as carpentry, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing 2. It also offers a bachelor’s degree in Catholic studies alongside the trade lessons 2. The grant would have also supported the creation of a non-profit construction company, employing students for community revitalization projects that might not attract private investment 2.
As the ruling was delivered orally, a written order is anticipated within 30 days of the decision 2. The court has given the West Virginia Water Development Authority 30 days to submit a filing demonstrating compliance with the order 2. A spokesperson for St. Joseph the Worker was unavailable for comment, and the Water Development Authority declined to comment directly on the ruling, indicating that any statements would be made in public court filings 2.
Does the Church support state funding for Catholic institutions?
The Catholic Church supports state funding for Catholic institutions, particularly in areas that promote the common good, such as education, healthcare, and social services . This collaboration is seen as a way for the Church to contribute effectively to the well-being of the entire national community and its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation .
The Church's primary mission is spiritual, but it is also eager to cooperate with nations and people of goodwill in promoting human dignity . This is achieved through its schools, educational programs, and charitable and social institutions . The Church believes that when religious freedom is guaranteed, all citizens feel equal and can contribute to society as a shared home .
The Church's involvement in these areas is rooted in its commitment to serving humanity publicly and upholding the inalienable rights of individuals . It advocates for justice, peace, and coexistence in human dignity, and for morality within both the family and society . The Church's support for state funding is consistent with the principle of subsidiarity, which holds that a higher-order community should support, rather than interfere with, a lower-order community, always with a view to the common good .
Specifically, the Church emphasizes the importance of protecting human life from conception to natural death, and the right to be born and grow up in a family . It also defends the right to openly profess religious faith without obstacles, both publicly and privately . The Church's demand for the unconditional protection of human life and dignity is seen as a fundamental prerequisite for a truly "human" society .