Without this preferential treatment, many Catholic dioceses would have been ineligible because -- between their head offices, parishes and other affiliates -- their employees exceed the 500-person cap. The Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, an organization of Catholic financial officers, surveyed members and reported that about 9,000 Catholic entities received loans. Evangelical advisers to President Donald Trump, including his White House spiritual czar, Paula White-Cain, also received loans. “At this point, the argument is you’re anti-religious if in fact you would say the Catholic Church shouldn’t be getting government funding,” Hamilton said. CASHING IN FASTAfter its lobbying blitz, the Catholic Church worked with parishes and schools to access the money.

Source: The Standard July 11, 2020 05:03 UTC