Faith Based Funding and Programs: Recent News and Posts
President George W. Bush has worked hard to get the government to finance religion and religious programs. This "faith based funding" is designed to provide financial aid to religious groups regardless of discrimination and evangelization. Thus, a church receiving federal money for job retraining could discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, or sexual orientation with that money. Read about some of recent news dealing with faith-based funding fiascos and programs.
Faith-Based Funding Hostile to Non-Christians
Bush has been shifting billions of dollars in tax money from secular organizations providing government services to religious - and mostly Christian - groups that provide the same services. Unfortunately, these Christian groups are allowed to discriminate on the basis of religion, which means that our taxes are paying for this religious discrimination.
Bush has been shifting billions of dollars in tax money from secular organizations providing government services to religious - and mostly Christian - groups that provide the same services. Unfortunately, these Christian groups are allowed to discriminate on the basis of religion, which means that our taxes are paying for this religious discrimination.
Faith-Based Programs: Inadequate Oversight, Controls
A major problem with so-called "faith-based programs" is the fact that defenders want to allow religious groups receiving federal funding to be able to discriminate on the basis of religion. No one else would be able to, just religious groups - and those big enough to receive federal money. This will establish almost unprecedented supremacy for religious believers and religious groups.
A major problem with so-called "faith-based programs" is the fact that defenders want to allow religious groups receiving federal funding to be able to discriminate on the basis of religion. No one else would be able to, just religious groups - and those big enough to receive federal money. This will establish almost unprecedented supremacy for religious believers and religious groups.
House GOP Leader Says 'Faith-Based' Initiative Has 'Gone Political'
Many people realized early on that George W. Bush's so-called faith-based initiative suffered from two serious flaws. First, it would likely violate the Constitution. Second, it would create a means for the Republican Party to reward Christian Right supporters - churches and non-denomination organizations - with huge government contracts and monetary awards. Both have come true.
Many people realized early on that George W. Bush's so-called faith-based initiative suffered from two serious flaws. First, it would likely violate the Constitution. Second, it would create a means for the Republican Party to reward Christian Right supporters - churches and non-denomination organizations - with huge government contracts and monetary awards. Both have come true.
Evils of Secular Welfare: Faith-Based Programs in Nazi Germany
An important argument behind the Republican drive for "faith-based programs" and religiously motivated public services is the idea that purely secular programs and services lack the appropriate values and morals to be very successful; churches, which have traditionally provided these services, also provide the values people need. This is not the first time such arguments have been made.
An important argument behind the Republican drive for "faith-based programs" and religiously motivated public services is the idea that purely secular programs and services lack the appropriate values and morals to be very successful; churches, which have traditionally provided these services, also provide the values people need. This is not the first time such arguments have been made.
Cardinal's Clause: Firing Employees With Invalid Marriages
Can a church or church-related organization condition employment on whether people uphold all of the religious dogmas and doctrines of that religion? This is obviously necessary when it comes to positions like priest, but what about other positions like secretary? The law generally provides wide latitude for churches to do this, but this doesn't mean that every example is just and reasonable.
Can a church or church-related organization condition employment on whether people uphold all of the religious dogmas and doctrines of that religion? This is obviously necessary when it comes to positions like priest, but what about other positions like secretary? The law generally provides wide latitude for churches to do this, but this doesn't mean that every example is just and reasonable.
Religious Groups Getting Huge Funding Boost from Government
Religious groups are benefiting from President Bush's 'faith-based strategy' in a big way. Pat Robertson's notorious Operation Blessing, for example, only received USD $108,000 two years ago, but is now getting USD $14.4 million. Does it really deserve that much?
Religious groups are benefiting from President Bush's 'faith-based strategy' in a big way. Pat Robertson's notorious Operation Blessing, for example, only received USD $108,000 two years ago, but is now getting USD $14.4 million. Does it really deserve that much?
Misusing Funds in Faith-Based Organizations
Defenders of giving more money to religious charities often insist that religious groups are more efficient than the government and do more good than purely secular efforts. This doesn't mean that everything religious charities do is good, however. They can also be guilty of misusing or just poorly using funds as anyone else.
Defenders of giving more money to religious charities often insist that religious groups are more efficient than the government and do more good than purely secular efforts. This doesn't mean that everything religious charities do is good, however. They can also be guilty of misusing or just poorly using funds as anyone else.
Rights vs. Funds, Faith vs. Liberty
Jewish organizations in America have been put in an quandary. Traditionally, they have been staunch supporters of civil rights and religious liberty, especially when it comes to the separation of church and state. President Bush's efforts to push faith-based social services - the governmental funding of religious organizations - is, however, very tempting for them.
Jewish organizations in America have been put in an quandary. Traditionally, they have been staunch supporters of civil rights and religious liberty, especially when it comes to the separation of church and state. President Bush's efforts to push faith-based social services - the governmental funding of religious organizations - is, however, very tempting for them.
Salvation Army Sued by Gay Jewish Social Worker
In New York, a judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a gay Jewish worker can proceed against the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army claimed that they didn't do the awful things that are alleged but, even if they did, they're allowed because they are a religious organization. A State Superior Court judge rejected this argument.
In New York, a judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a gay Jewish worker can proceed against the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army claimed that they didn't do the awful things that are alleged but, even if they did, they're allowed because they are a religious organization. A State Superior Court judge rejected this argument.
Head Start on Religious Discrimination
Some American lawmakers would like to give Head Start programs administered by religious groups the ability to discriminate in hiring and firing. Discrimination could occur on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, and even perhaps race - all with taxpayer dollars in a program ostensibly to help disadvantaged children.
Some American lawmakers would like to give Head Start programs administered by religious groups the ability to discriminate in hiring and firing. Discrimination could occur on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, and even perhaps race - all with taxpayer dollars in a program ostensibly to help disadvantaged children.
Playing Politics with Faith-Based Funding
President Bush promotes his 'faith-based' agenda by saying that churches and other religious groups deserve to get more funding for their charitable work. Because it involves the government handing out large checks, though, it will inevitably be used for political purposes; in fact, it already is.
President Bush promotes his 'faith-based' agenda by saying that churches and other religious groups deserve to get more funding for their charitable work. Because it involves the government handing out large checks, though, it will inevitably be used for political purposes; in fact, it already is.
Faith-Based Funding and Church Charities
Religious conservatives who promote greater funding of religious charities in the context of "faith-based" programs usually offer two arguments. First, religious charities are discriminated against and need new rules. Second, church charities already do a lot and could do so much more if they received a bit more funding.
Religious conservatives who promote greater funding of religious charities in the context of "faith-based" programs usually offer two arguments. First, religious charities are discriminated against and need new rules. Second, church charities already do a lot and could do so much more if they received a bit more funding.
Bush Buying Votes with Faith-Based Funds?
One of the concerns which many have had is that President Bush's faith-based programs would have the effect of corrupting churches by making them dependent upon political patronage. For Pennsylvania pastor Luis Cortes, that appears to be one of the benefits of the programs - he seems quite open about trading political support for cash.
One of the concerns which many have had is that President Bush's faith-based programs would have the effect of corrupting churches by making them dependent upon political patronage. For Pennsylvania pastor Luis Cortes, that appears to be one of the benefits of the programs - he seems quite open about trading political support for cash.
Head Start and Faith-Based Funding (Discrimination)
U.S. Rep. John Boehner has introduced a proposal that would allow religious groups that run Head Start programs to discriminate on the basis of religion. A similar measure passed the House before, but the Senate has never approved anything like it.
U.S. Rep. John Boehner has introduced a proposal that would allow religious groups that run Head Start programs to discriminate on the basis of religion. A similar measure passed the House before, but the Senate has never approved anything like it.
U.S. Rep. Seeks To Make 'Faith-Based' Outreach Permanent
Mark Green, a Republican from Wisconsin, has introduced a bill to the U.S. House of Representatives that would make the White House "faith-based" office a permanent institution. It would also make faith-based offices in 10 federal agencies permanent.
Mark Green, a Republican from Wisconsin, has introduced a bill to the U.S. House of Representatives that would make the White House "faith-based" office a permanent institution. It would also make faith-based offices in 10 federal agencies permanent.
Federally-Funded Religious Abstinence Program Challenged
The Silver Ring Thing is a federally-funded program that encourages abstinence to teens. It also apparently promotes evangelical Christianity and, because of that, the ACLU is challenging the USD $1 million it has received from the taxpayers.
The Silver Ring Thing is a federally-funded program that encourages abstinence to teens. It also apparently promotes evangelical Christianity and, because of that, the ACLU is challenging the USD $1 million it has received from the taxpayers.
Iowa: Faith-Based Prison Program Being Challenged
The Iowa Department of Corrections has been promoting a prison ministry named InnerChange Freedom Initiative. Inmates who enter the program receive special benefits not available to others, which means the state ends up promoting evangelical Christianity. Now a federal judge has permitted a lawsuit against the state of Iowa to go forward to trial.
The Iowa Department of Corrections has been promoting a prison ministry named InnerChange Freedom Initiative. Inmates who enter the program receive special benefits not available to others, which means the state ends up promoting evangelical Christianity. Now a federal judge has permitted a lawsuit against the state of Iowa to go forward to trial.
Suit Over Federal Money for California Churches
The federal government, with support from some Democrats, wants to start funding active Catholic churches in California. Why? Because they were built in the 1700s. This does not explain, though, why the federal government should start funding active churches that will continue to discriminate against visitors on the basis of religion.
The federal government, with support from some Democrats, wants to start funding active Catholic churches in California. Why? Because they were built in the 1700s. This does not explain, though, why the federal government should start funding active churches that will continue to discriminate against visitors on the basis of religion.
Texas: Government Pays to Refurbish Church
In El Paso, the government is paying for a large refurbishing project on a 113-year-old Catholic church. Nothing structural is being done - the USD $75,000 is being paid to make the church look nicer. Apparently the church didn't want to have the congregation pay for it, so all tax payers have to foot the bill to make a Catholic church look pretty.
In El Paso, the government is paying for a large refurbishing project on a 113-year-old Catholic church. Nothing structural is being done - the USD $75,000 is being paid to make the church look nicer. Apparently the church didn't want to have the congregation pay for it, so all tax payers have to foot the bill to make a Catholic church look pretty.
Government-Funded Religious Discrimination is Wrong
When George W. Bush visited Pittsburgh and promoted his faith-based initiatives, he argued that religious organizations can be more efficient and do a better job than government programs (despite the lack of data supporting that). So why keep emphasizing that they should receive government funding while discriminating on the basis of religion?
When George W. Bush visited Pittsburgh and promoted his faith-based initiatives, he argued that religious organizations can be more efficient and do a better job than government programs (despite the lack of data supporting that). So why keep emphasizing that they should receive government funding while discriminating on the basis of religion?
Florida: State Funding for Pre-K Religious Instruction?
Should the government pay for pre-kindergarten programs that include religious instruction? The state of Florida seems to think so and wants taxpayers to finance kids' religious teaching.
Should the government pay for pre-kindergarten programs that include religious instruction? The state of Florida seems to think so and wants taxpayers to finance kids' religious teaching.
Education Secretary to Fund Religious Schools?
The new Education Secretary, Margaret Spellings, has told Catholic bishops that they should start trying to provide services to schoolchildren because the government will pay the bills. They don't have to worry about church/state separation, though.
The new Education Secretary, Margaret Spellings, has told Catholic bishops that they should start trying to provide services to schoolchildren because the government will pay the bills. They don't have to worry about church/state separation, though.
Georgia: Faith-Based Amendment Fails
Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia wanted to amend the constitution so that the state could pay for students to attend private religious schools. Fortunately the measure was defeated in the state senate - but he isn't done trying.
Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia wanted to amend the constitution so that the state could pay for students to attend private religious schools. Fortunately the measure was defeated in the state senate - but he isn't done trying.
Bush and 'Faith-Based' Capital
In order to "energize" his base and ensure both of his election victories, President Bush made a lot of promises to the Christian Right. Continually, though, he has failed to keep his promises and maybe they will start to realize that they are only being used.
In order to "energize" his base and ensure both of his election victories, President Bush made a lot of promises to the Christian Right. Continually, though, he has failed to keep his promises and maybe they will start to realize that they are only being used.
Pennsylvania: Jail Contractor Pushing Religion
The Firm Foundation is a private contractor providing jail services for the Bradford County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania. They have also been accused of trying to force religion on inmates, leading to a lawsuit filed by Americans United and the ACLU.
The Firm Foundation is a private contractor providing jail services for the Bradford County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania. They have also been accused of trying to force religion on inmates, leading to a lawsuit filed by Americans United and the ACLU.
Faith-Based Programs: Secular Services or Proselytization?
When speaking to general audiences, Bush and his supporters claim that the faith-based programs are designed to ensure that qualified religious groups can deliver secular social services. When speaking to religious audiences, the same people emphasize how those groups transform people's lives with religion. Why the difference? Because it's illegal to fund the latter with public money.
When speaking to general audiences, Bush and his supporters claim that the faith-based programs are designed to ensure that qualified religious groups can deliver secular social services. When speaking to religious audiences, the same people emphasize how those groups transform people's lives with religion. Why the difference? Because it's illegal to fund the latter with public money.
Alberto Gonzales on Faith-Based Discrimination
Criticisms of Alberto Gonzales tend to focus on the way he helped craft the framework for America's abuse and torture of detainees around the world. That's obviously very important, be we should also pay attention to the fact that he thinks the federal government should fund religious discrimination.
Criticisms of Alberto Gonzales tend to focus on the way he helped craft the framework for America's abuse and torture of detainees around the world. That's obviously very important, be we should also pay attention to the fact that he thinks the federal government should fund religious discrimination.
Green Pagans & Faith-Based Funding
Conservative proponents of faith-based funding typically assume that recipients will be Christians or, possibly, Jewish. They don't seem to think much about what would happen if other religious groups start receiving public funds and maybe they should. Their support might wane a bit if the implications were made clear to them.
Conservative proponents of faith-based funding typically assume that recipients will be Christians or, possibly, Jewish. They don't seem to think much about what would happen if other religious groups start receiving public funds and maybe they should. Their support might wane a bit if the implications were made clear to them.
Wisconsin: Government Can't Fund Religious Proselytization
For the first time, the government has been forced to stop funding a faith-based program because of the pervasive nature of religious activity and proselytization being done with public money. MentorKids, an affiliate of Charles Coslon's Prison Fellowship Ministries, used public funds to encourage kids to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
For the first time, the government has been forced to stop funding a faith-based program because of the pervasive nature of religious activity and proselytization being done with public money. MentorKids, an affiliate of Charles Coslon's Prison Fellowship Ministries, used public funds to encourage kids to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Unfair to Listen to Opponents of Faith-Based Initiatives?
The Bush administration wants to expand the amounts of public funding available to religious institutions, even if those institutions use the funds to discriminate and proselytize. They would like to encourage states to spend more money on faith-based programs and they don't seem to want government bodies to even listen to dissent, much less agree with the dissenters.
The Bush administration wants to expand the amounts of public funding available to religious institutions, even if those institutions use the funds to discriminate and proselytize. They would like to encourage states to spend more money on faith-based programs and they don't seem to want government bodies to even listen to dissent, much less agree with the dissenters.
Abstinence Programs Lie to Teens
Abstinence programs are very popular with the Bush administration and his Christian Right base - if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Abstinence programs are very popular with the Bush administration and his Christian Right base - if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Moonies Supported by Bush's Faith-Based Funds
Some have charged that a primary purpose behind George W. Bush's faith-based initiatives is to create financial subsidies to right-wing churches that don't mind being bought-and-paid-for by cynical politicians. In the case of the Unification Church, that might actually be the case because they are benefiting handsomely.
Some have charged that a primary purpose behind George W. Bush's faith-based initiatives is to create financial subsidies to right-wing churches that don't mind being bought-and-paid-for by cynical politicians. In the case of the Unification Church, that might actually be the case because they are benefiting handsomely.
Jim Towey on Faith & Government
One of the hallmarks of George W. Bush's presidency is his idea that religious organizations shouldn't be prevented from discriminating in order to receive government grants for community programs. This "faith-based" initiative has been criticized as a violation of the separation of church and state, but supporters just don't care.
One of the hallmarks of George W. Bush's presidency is his idea that religious organizations shouldn't be prevented from discriminating in order to receive government grants for community programs. This "faith-based" initiative has been criticized as a violation of the separation of church and state, but supporters just don't care.
Walter Jones: Anti-Theocrats are "Evil"
U.S. Rep. Walter Jones is pushing for a law that would allow clergy to endorse political candidates from the pulpit and use tax-free charitable donations for political activism. Many have responded in opposition to this and, according to Jones, such people are "evil" for trying to stand between him and his theocratic vision.
U.S. Rep. Walter Jones is pushing for a law that would allow clergy to endorse political candidates from the pulpit and use tax-free charitable donations for political activism. Many have responded in opposition to this and, according to Jones, such people are "evil" for trying to stand between him and his theocratic vision.
Faith-Based Programs & Forced Conversions
President George W. Bush supported the governmental funding of faith-based social programs, especially those that help with social problems like addictions. Unfortunately, such programs are rife with problems - including efforts to pressure people into converting to a new religion. Bush would have the government fund such pressure.
President George W. Bush supported the governmental funding of faith-based social programs, especially those that help with social problems like addictions. Unfortunately, such programs are rife with problems - including efforts to pressure people into converting to a new religion. Bush would have the government fund such pressure.
Ohio: Gov't Sponsors Gospel Concert with Faith-Based Funds
Should the government sponsor a gospel concert, something that is obviously and necessarily religious in nature? Franklin County Children Services in Ohio thinks so - and they are even using a faith based grant from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Should the government sponsor a gospel concert, something that is obviously and necessarily religious in nature? Franklin County Children Services in Ohio thinks so - and they are even using a faith based grant from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Report on Bush's Faith-Based Changes
Researchers at the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany, N.Y. have compiled an interesting study on President Bush's various faith-based initiatives. They specifically focus on how Bush has worked behind the backs of legislators - which is curious, considering how often he complains about judges working behind the backs of legislators.
Researchers at the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany, N.Y. have compiled an interesting study on President Bush's various faith-based initiatives. They specifically focus on how Bush has worked behind the backs of legislators - which is curious, considering how often he complains about judges working behind the backs of legislators.
Following the Law = Bullying?
Jim Towey, head of the White House's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, has promised religious groups to help them fight "bullying" from local and state governments. Bullying? Well, that's what Towey calls it when religious groups receiving public funds are expected to follow the same laws that every other group has to follow.
Jim Towey, head of the White House's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, has promised religious groups to help them fight "bullying" from local and state governments. Bullying? Well, that's what Towey calls it when religious groups receiving public funds are expected to follow the same laws that every other group has to follow.
Students to get Religious Exemptions to Education
Should you be able to simply ignore some portion of your education and continue as if nothing happened if you have religious objections to it? Well, you can at the University of Utah now - a student in the theater program objected to having to read profanity in a play and wanted to be exempt from that; rather than fight in court, the university caved in.
Should you be able to simply ignore some portion of your education and continue as if nothing happened if you have religious objections to it? Well, you can at the University of Utah now - a student in the theater program objected to having to read profanity in a play and wanted to be exempt from that; rather than fight in court, the university caved in.
Christian Politicians
There is an assumption among many Americans that the quality of a politician's character might be evaluated based upon the nature of their religious beliefs. This stems from the prejudice against atheists and non-religious people and leads politicians to think that public expressions of piety are needed.
There is an assumption among many Americans that the quality of a politician's character might be evaluated based upon the nature of their religious beliefs. This stems from the prejudice against atheists and non-religious people and leads politicians to think that public expressions of piety are needed.
Church Endorses Bush, Gets USD $1 million 'Faith-Based'? Grant
One of the criticisms of President Bush's 'faith-based'? programs is the manner in which they threaten to politicize churches and religious organizations. Instead of focusing on religious worship and charitable efforts, they must instead focus on political pandering and electioneering in order to keep the government largesse flowing. Did I say 'threaten'??
One of the criticisms of President Bush's 'faith-based'? programs is the manner in which they threaten to politicize churches and religious organizations. Instead of focusing on religious worship and charitable efforts, they must instead focus on political pandering and electioneering in order to keep the government largesse flowing. Did I say 'threaten'??
FFRF Sues Over Faith-Based Funding
Dissent from and disagreement over President Bush's various faith-based initiatives have existed for quite some time, but now the Freedom From Religion Foundation has launched a lawsuit challenging a particular program and alleging that it favors religious organizations in violation of the constitutional separation of church and state.
Dissent from and disagreement over President Bush's various faith-based initiatives have existed for quite some time, but now the Freedom From Religion Foundation has launched a lawsuit challenging a particular program and alleging that it favors religious organizations in violation of the constitutional separation of church and state.
Looking at Faith-Based Marriage Counseling
Among President Bush's various faith-based ideas for social problems has been the promotion of religious counseling for those considering marriage. The point is supposed to be that pre-marriage counseling leads to better marriages - but just how likely is that to be the case?
Among President Bush's various faith-based ideas for social problems has been the promotion of religious counseling for those considering marriage. The point is supposed to be that pre-marriage counseling leads to better marriages - but just how likely is that to be the case?
Women Get Faith-Based Prison
Another faith-based prison has been opened in Florida, this one specifically for women. In the Hillsborough Correctional Institution, women will participate in a "faith- and character-based" program which will emphasize religious services and instruction.
Another faith-based prison has been opened in Florida, this one specifically for women. In the Hillsborough Correctional Institution, women will participate in a "faith- and character-based" program which will emphasize religious services and instruction.
Efficiency of Private Charities?
One of the driving forces behind the push for faith-based programs being funded by the government, as well as all sorts of other privatization plans, is the assumption that private groups and private industry are much more efficient than government organizations. But is that true?
One of the driving forces behind the push for faith-based programs being funded by the government, as well as all sorts of other privatization plans, is the assumption that private groups and private industry are much more efficient than government organizations. But is that true?
Detroit Police Admit Failure, Reduced to Prayer
In response to the growing tide of violence in their city, the police department in Detroit has apparently admitted that they are at a loss about what to do and that they have failed in their jobs to protect people. So how do they decide to proceed? They pray. They ask God to fix things because, apparently, they can't do it.
In response to the growing tide of violence in their city, the police department in Detroit has apparently admitted that they are at a loss about what to do and that they have failed in their jobs to protect people. So how do they decide to proceed? They pray. They ask God to fix things because, apparently, they can't do it.
Baptist Lawyer Testifies on Faith-Based Discrimination
When considering the question of discrimination among religious groups receiving government aid, there are actually two issues: whether the government engages in discrimination when deciding which groups receive federal aid and whether religious groups should be allowed to continue discriminating with government money.
When considering the question of discrimination among religious groups receiving government aid, there are actually two issues: whether the government engages in discrimination when deciding which groups receive federal aid and whether religious groups should be allowed to continue discriminating with government money.
Faith-Based Funding Battle in Maryland
There is a battle brewing in Maryland over faith-based funding. Both the House and Senate have passed a provision that would prevent any religious charities from getting state grants without approval by the General Assembly. Governor Bob Ehrlich isn't happy and is claiming that the Democrats are preventing funds from going to good use.
There is a battle brewing in Maryland over faith-based funding. Both the House and Senate have passed a provision that would prevent any religious charities from getting state grants without approval by the General Assembly. Governor Bob Ehrlich isn't happy and is claiming that the Democrats are preventing funds from going to good use.