A Baptist church in Frankfort, Kentucky, has declined a $200,000 federal grant, citing concerns over restrictive conditions tied to immigration enforcement and diversity policies. First Baptist Church on St. Clair, which suffered $1.2 million in flood damage in April, refused the FEMA funds due to stipulations it felt conflicted with its mission of inclusion and support for undocumented individuals.
Church Leaders Cite Mission of Inclusion
Co-Pastors Amanda Smith and Justin Sizemore said the FEMA grant would have required the church to assist with immigration enforcement and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The church, affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, serves all people, regardless of immigration status, through its medical clinic and clothing closet. Smith emphasized, “We were definitely not going to help them conduct raids on the people who come into this church on a weekly basis.”
Conditions Spark Broader Faith-Based Backlash
The FEMA funding conditions mirror recent revisions to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which now requires some religious organizations to surveil immigrants and abandon DEI efforts. In response, 70 faith groups and 138 religious leaders signed a letter to the Department of Homeland Security in August condemning what they called “repressive conditions.” These leaders argue that compliance would force them to compromise their core religious and moral values.
Financial Strain Offset by SBA Loan
Despite turning down FEMA’s support, First Baptist accepted a Small Business Administration loan of up to $300,000. Sizemore noted that the loan lacked the same immigration and DEI restrictions as the other loan. The church had flood insurance, but the damage far exceeded its coverage. “I was really frustrated and upset,” Sizemore said. “I know how much $200,000 would have helped with our repairs.”
Decision-Making Rooted in Congregational Values
Though the vote wasn’t unanimous, the church reached its decision with little discord. Leaders described the process as respectful and grounded in shared convictions. “People stated both sides… with little anxiety given the situation with our finances,” Smith said. The church resumed onsite worship on June 1, months after the Kentucky River flood severely damaged its facilities.
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Kentucky church foregoes FEMA aid because of demands made
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