Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations. The Subrecipient shall include the following clause in every Subcontract or purchase order, specifically or by reference, so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. The Subrecipient agrees that funds provided under this Agreement will not be directly utilized for explicitly religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization in accordance with the federal regulations specified in 24 CFR 5.109 “Equal Participation of Faith-based Organizations in HUD Programs and Activities.” The Subrecipient must also document their compliance with the faith-based activities regarding disposition and change in use of real property as required under 24 CFR §576.406.
Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations. Sub-recipient agrees to comply with 24 CFR § 5.109, including the following requirements:
A. Equal participation of faith-based organizations in HUD programs and activities. Faith-based organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any other organization, to participate in the PSH Program, considering any permissible accommodations, particularly under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Sub-recipient shall not discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of the organization’s religious exercise.
B. Independence and identity of faith-based organizations. A faith-based organization that participates in the Program retains its autonomy, right of expression, religious character, authority over its governance, and independence, and may continue to carry out its mission including the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. A faith-based organization that receives Federal financial assistance from HUD does not lose the protections of law. Faith-based organizations may use space in their facilities to provide program-funded services, without concealing, removing, or altering religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a HOME program- funded religious organization retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization’s name, select its board members and employees on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents.
