Google Won't Give Churches Non-Profit Status

Google has an entire suite of software, Google Apps, that it offers for businesses and non-profits. It used to be that Google offered the software, including Gmail, for free or at a discount for non-profits, including churches. Now though Churches need not apply.

In March, Google changed the policy such that the non-profit discount would not apply to "any organization that considers religion or sexual orientation in hiring decisions" or that proselytizes, Christianity.

For years, the search and software giant individually offered some of its products—including its office software and popular Gmail—for free or discounted use to qualifying nonprofits. Eligibility requirements varied by product, but churches and faith-based groups were welcome to use some.

In mid-March that changed when Google launched "Google for Nonprofits." The new initiative united a robust set of Google's tools into one program, but it also came with new guidelines that excluded numerous entities, including schools, political think-tanks, churches, proselytizing groups, and any organization that considers religion or sexual orientation in hiring decisions.

Such exclusions are generally legal, even if ill-advised, said Stuart Lark, an attorney specializing in nonprofits and religious organizations with Holmes, Roberts & Owen in Colorado Springs. But he noted that similar exclusions from public facilities or benefits may be unlawful religious discrimination.

Is Google now anti-Christian? There have been many reports of Google working with Barack Obama and his administration including manipulating searches. Has Google forgotten they made it big in a capitalistic country that has strong Christian roots?

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