Suit Alleges Grants For Church Preservation Projects Violate Massachusetts No-Aid Provision

A suit was filed yesterday against the town of Acton, Massachusetts by 13 of the town's residents and taxpayers challenging the town's approval of three Community Preservation grants to restore core facilities and religious imagery of two active local churches. The complaint (full text) in Caplan v. Town of Acton, Massachusetts, (MA Super. Ct., filed 7/7/2016) alleges that the grants violate Article XVIII, Section 2 of the Massachusetts Constitution that prohibits use of public funds "for the purpose of founding, maintaining or aiding any church, religious denomination or society." Grants to Acton Congregational Church funded a master plan for historic preservation of the 170-year old church building and for repair of major stained glass window's in the church's building. A grant to the South Acton Congregational Church funded roof repairs. Americans United issued a press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit. Boston Globe reports on the lawsuit.