How do we encourage people to undertake low-paying and frequently high-stress jobs that serve the common good? Back in 2007, federal legislation was passed providing that people who worked in 501(c)(3) corporations for ten years while making their student loan payments would be forgiven all debt remaining after the 120 months of payments. Seminarians of all faiths rejoiced as their financial aid officers counseled them about this new benefit.
Unfortunate for seminarians relying on that legislation, the Obama administration last month issued interpretive guidelines specifically excluding workers whose duties "are related to religious instruction, worship services, or any form of proselytizing." You can view this outrageous exclusion on page 2, HERE. It's a classic case of regulatory over-reach, with the White House creating consequences never intended by the legislature. It's also a case of financially-targeted religious discrimination.
Summarizing an observation made by the Rev. George Conger, a student can graduate from seminary and pay towards his or her student loan debt for ten years while working for Planned Parenthood, and all remaining debt will be wiped away. Should that student wish to work for a church, instead, all debt remains intact.
The rulemakers clearly were not very circumspect in drawing up the guidelines. How about military chaplains? Under the guidelines, as military, they are specifically included in the benefit. BUT, their duties include conducting worship services, so the rule specifically excludes them. Brilliant (not).
The Huffington Post of all sources included an interesting story about the effect of these stupidly-drawn rules on a young rabbi undertaking "tikkun olam", a Hebrew phrase meaning "repair of the world." Religious people of all faiths must unite in opposing yet another of Obama's widespread assaults on conscience and religious belief.
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