Is it okay for a church to meet at a public school??
All over the United States schools rent to nonprofits and religious organizations for the purpose of holding services. It's a benefit to the schools because they get rent for the building when it would otherwise be empty. It's also a benefit to the organizations that are looking for practical meeting space.
Still, some wonder if it's a violation of the "separation of church and state" or if it imposes religion on the students of those schools in any way. The answer to both of those questions is "no." Churches that meet in schools (like ours) do not have a presence in the school in any way while school is in session. During the week there is no trace of the church having been there. Most students and teachers aren't even aware that a church is meeting in their building.
Since the school does not allow the church to have an influence on students in any way, there is no violation of the "separation of church and state." In fact, recently the courts of New York State have ruled it unconstitutional for schools to dicriminate who they rent to based on religious reasons. Churches are simply tenants like any other organization that might rent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, feel free to give us a call. 718-439-5098.
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