According to the Washington Post, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said yesterday that it will use taxpayer money to reimburse churches and other religious organizations that have opened their doors to provide shelter, food and supplies to survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This is after weeks of prodding by the Red Cross and Republican Lawmakers. FEMA officials said it would mark the first time that the government has made large-scale payments to religious groups for helping to cope with a domestic natural disaster. Some groups are already tallying up expenses, while others are reluctant to apply for the funds. They are worried that their other fundraising will dry up if they are seen to be taking federal hand-outs. Either way, FEMA's decision not only crosses the line between seperation of church and state, it also demonstrates the inequality that Congress and the Administration in the way secular and non-secular groups are treated. There is no denying that religious groups make a contribution - both in the aftermath of Katrina and in providing a range of other social services - but why should non-secular groups break the bank assisting with the Katrina aftermath - or any disaster in the future, for that matter - when they know that they are not going to be reimbursed for their efforts? Interesting decision...