From
the Presbyterian Washington Office:
Faith Based Initiative (Charitable Choice) returns
Dated 12/13/02, posted here 12-14-02
You have doubtless seen reports of President Bush's
announcement that he will use executive orders to circumvent the will of
Congress to advance key pieces of his divisive "faith-based
initiative." One of his actions will allow federal contractors
discriminate in their hiring practices, to employ only people of certain
faiths.
Two recent reports describe the
President's announcement regarding Faith Based Initiatives. PC(USA)
policy continues to support the partnership of governments, religious
organizations and business in the elimination of poverty. However, PCUSA
policy would not support any government funded partnerships that
discriminate against any segment of society. As these new government
programs are implemented in partnership with religious entities, they
probably will be scrutinized by some in the community to see that no one
is denied services or employment in a discriminatory fashion. It is also
clear that this is not really new money, but old money that will be
redirected.
On what may be described as a purely cynical view,
there are those who say that this is a way for the current
administration to gain the favor of the communities who were not
previously supportive of its policies.
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You can find details in the Associated Press report as
carried in the
Washington Post.
OMB Watch offers a more analytical look at this
development.
To see the White House's announcement, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/20021212.html
For more information, contact:
Elenora Giddings Ivory, PC(U.S.A.)Washington Office,
110 Maryland Avenue, NE, #104, Washington, DC 20002.
202-543-1126, fax 202-543-7755.
Email eivory@ctr.pcusa.org
