President George W. Bush may be forever linked with faith-based initiatives due to his aggressive efforts to allow religious organizations to provide government-funded services. But its President Obama who could yet turn out to be the chief executive who winds up most expanding the possibilities of government partnering with faith-based groups.
Joshua DuBois a special assistant to the president and executive director of the rechristened White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships outlined the current administrations more expansive view of collaborations during an apperance Thursday at the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Instead of leveling the playing field for federal contacting to faith-based groups -- which became a presidential obsession for much of Bushs eight years in office -- Obama is trying to involve religious groups in more extensive policy discussions.
To that end hes created a 25-member advisory council and identified four priority areas that DuBois outlined: connecting faith-based groups to the economic recovery via job training and financial literacy programs; strengthening the role of fathers in society; promoting more interfaith dialogue and reducing the number of abortions. The administration even is enlisting religious groups in ad hoc efforts to promote Middle East peace by participating in planning for an entrepreneuship summit with the Arab world.
DuBois a 26-year-old Pentacostal minister whos been dubbed Obamas pastor-in-chief said Obama is aware that Washington policymakers dont have all the answers adding the White House is intent on connecting to communities.
To read the rest of this story click HERE
*This story is from CQPolitics
