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JANUARY 29, 2001

Religion will soon become a priority in the White House as President George W. Bush this week announces a number of faith and charity based programs which critics already say may blur the line between separation of church and state.

Today Bush will announce the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based Action and Community Initiatives. The first of its kind, the office would help distribute federal funds to religious groups and charities nationwide, enabling them to support their own programs -- which extend beyond those based in faith -- with taxpayer dollars.

The idea has already drawn heat from critics, including some churches, who question the wisdom of such a plan. But Bush has been a champion of the role of faith-based organizations in addressing social ills and defended the the role of religion in society last week before reporters.

"A compassionate society is one which recognizes the great power of faith," said Bush. "We in government must not fear faith-based programs, we must welcome faith-based programs."

A devoted Bible reader, Bush has also said social programs which take into account spiritual needs are often the most successful. For Indian Country, the concept has been central to groups like White Bison, Inc., a non-profit organization who last year held a cross-country walk from California to Washington, DC, emphasizing the importance of spiritualism in addressing alcohol and domestic abuse problems.

The role of religion hasn't gone unnoticed by others, either. According to the Independent Sector, a national coalition of charitable organizations, nine out of 10 religious congregations offer services such as day care centers, drug recovery programs, and homeless shelters.

And while most of the $81.2 billion raised by churches in 1996 comes from individuals, a report released today by Independent Sector estimates that about $20 million came from the government, a figure which could increase to billions under Bush's plan. Such funding would enable churches and faith-based organizations to continue offering or increase services the Independent Sector says some have had to limit due to lack of funding.

Hoping to drum up support for his policy, Bush this week plans on meeting with religious leaders and will attend the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday. Yesterday, he attended church services at a predominantly African-American church in Washington, DC.

Later this week, Bush also plans on addressing tax deductions made by charitable groups, an issue hundreds of national organizations expect to endorse.

Relevant Links:
White Bison - www.whitebison.org
The Independent Sector - www.independentsector.org

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