It seems the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is rethinking its interpretation of regulations banning religious services in the commons areas of a retirement community in High Point.
Some residents’ habit of meeting for religious services elicited complaints and a policy interpretation from the High Point Housing Authority that since the retirement home receives federal money, it couldn’t allow religious activities in public areas.
The Greensboro News & Record now reports:
After criticism from tenants and Christian-based law firms, the authority appealed to HUD for clarification.
Joseph J. Phillips of HUD?s Atlanta regional office said religious groups generally are given the same access as nonreligious groups.
The housing authority received notification by telephone of HUD?s policy interpretation Tuesday and would receive it in writing, he said.
?The HUD regulations found at (Policy) 24, CFR 5.109 may not be interpreted to justify the housing authority?s issue to prohibit use of the common area for religious activities,? Phillips said.
Phillips said that this is a longstanding policy that probably would not change.
?Religious discrimination should not find a home in public housing,? he said.
