* The setup…
An outspoken atheist filed papers in court yesterday to stop Illinois officials from giving money to a historic church.
Rob Sherman is known for his lawsuit that halted a moment of silence in schools. Now he wants to prevent the state from giving Pilgrim Baptist Church a million dollars to rebuild after a fire.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich has said the money is intended for a community center and administrative offices, not religious purposes.
But Sherman says that violates the constitution.
SHERMAN: What goes on in an administration building? That’s where the church operates its ministry from. So Rod cannot stick the taxpayers with the cost of a church’s ministry expenses.
* Question: In your opinion, does Sherman’s claim have merit? Explain.