Churches Take FEMA to Court in the Wake of Disaster --- 2017/09/27

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has high praise for religious organizations that help communities in times of disaster. Churches provide shelter, food, and relief distribution to the community. Some even serve as FEMA response bases, distributing food, clothing, and hygiene products, as well as providing warehouse facilities for emergency relief supplies. Yet, FEMA will not allow churches to apply for disaster grants to repair their own damage. This, despite the fact that FEMA actively encourages secular nonprofits to apply. Three Texas churches are taking FEMA to court. They’re represented by Becket Law, a nonprofit public-interest legal institute that protects religious rights. Today’s guest, Becket attorney Diana Verm, discusses why these churches are taking action and what the outlook is for the case.