Religious organizations receive $7.3 billion in PPP loans, megachurches amass millions - 2020-07-07

Religious organizations receive $7.3 billion in PPP loans, megachurches amass millions July 7, 2020, Benjamin Fearnow, Newsweek

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Religious organizations across the U.S. have received at least $7.3 billion in federal rescue package loans, with evangelical leaders tied to President Donald Trump and megachurches tied to scandals pulling in some of the largest payouts.

Treasury Department data released Monday shows that religious organizations, ranging from nearly 10,000 Catholic churches to hundreds of Jewish groups, received 88,411 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans since the program began April 3. Several churches affiliated with outspoken Trump supporters and close associates amassed at least $17.3 million in loans intended to help small businesses and nonprofits retain workers.

Included among the top loan recipients is the megachurch of pastor Robert Jeffress, who last year called Trump a Christian "warrior." Another is City of Destiny, the Florida megachurch run until recently by White House spiritual adviser Paula White-Cain.

Wikipedia cite:

{{cite news | first = Benjamin | last = Fearnow | title = Religious organizations receive $7.3 billion in PPP loans, megachurches amass millions | url = https://www.newsweek.com/religious-organizations-receive-73-billion-ppp-loans-megachurches-amass-millions-1515963 | work = Newsweek | date = July 7, 2020 | accessdate = March 18, 2021 }}