When Bush offered churches the opportunity to get federal aid folks thought he was trying to erase the Church/State distinction, and to at least demobilize black churches. (If he can’t get black people to vote for him, at least he can keep black pastors pacified enough that they don’t turn out voters against him.)

Although I still think the jury is out on both, it appears that fewer black churches took advantage of this opportunity than folks thought. Black people are all about making a way out of no way. Those few black churches who were able to get resources were likely doing so holding their nose.