    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 19, 1998]
    [Pages 994-995]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation
    Protection Act
    June 19, 1998

        I was very pleased to sign today S. 1244, the Religious Liberty and
    Charitable Donation Protection Act. This bill protects the religious and
    charitable contributions made by people who later declare bankruptcy.

    [[Page 995]]

        As Americans, we value the important role religious and charitable
    institutions play in the daily life of this Nation. Indeed, we know that
    fiscal responsibility for these institutions is fundamental to their
    efforts to meet the spiritual, social and other concerns of our Nation.
    It is a great loss to all of our citizens for creditors to recoup their
    losses in bankruptcy cases from donations made in good faith by our
    citizens to their churches and charitable institutions.
        As Americans we also know that giving, whether to one's church,
    temple, mosque, or other house of worship or to any charitable
    organization, fosters and enriches our sense of community. We need to
    encourage, not discourage, that sense of community. The Religious
    Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act does just that.

    Note: S. 1244, approved June 19, was assigned Public Law No. 105-183.