Saturday, December 20, 2014

Social Justice: Church and State United by Government Candy

12/20/2014

Trinidad and Tobago Government Distributes $8.6 Million to Churches

SAN JUAN – More than 1,000 churches in Trinidad and Tobago are to share TTD 55 million ($8.6 million) in public funds that the government hopes they will use for good works.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged churches in the twin-island nation to contribute to their communities as an “integral part” of society, The Jamaica Observer reported Friday.

“The ultimate aim of this was not to buy the churches or bribe the church,” Social Integration Minister Rodger Samuel said, seeking to deflect criticism of the initiative.

Churches with congregations of fewer than 500 members will receive $1,102 each, while larger houses of worship are to get $3,900 apiece.

Christians make up 63.4 percent of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.2 million people.


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