Pubdate: Tue, 30 Jan 2001
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Section: World & News
Copyright: 2001 Deseret News Publishing Corp.
Contact:  30 East 100 South., P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110
Website: http://www.desnews.com/
Author: Associated Press

BUSH SEEKS TO EXPAND ROLE OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN WELFARE

LDS Say Government Funds Are Not A Factor

WASHINGTON - Seeking to expand the role of religious groups in social 
programs, President Bush has seized on a politically popular initiative 
that leaves opponents worried about breaching the wall between church and 
state. The centerpiece of Bush's plan, which would allow religious groups 
to compete for billions of dollars in government grants, is modeled after 
similar efforts that previously have faced little opposition on Capitol 
Hill. The proposal also calls for a slew of tax breaks to encourage 
charitable giving.

But given the chance to involve religious groups in their welfare programs, 
most states have done little or nothing so far to steer contracts toward 
churches, synagogues and other religious organizations, proponents say. Now 
Bush plans a major expansion of "charitable choice," which has been limited 
to welfare, drug treatment and community development programs. The proposal 
Bush was sending to Congress on Tuesday would open all federal grant 
programs to religious groups.

"Government will never be replaced by charities and community groups," the 
president said Monday. "Yet, when we see social needs in America, my 
administration will look first at faith-based programs and community 
groups, which have proven their power to save and change lives." Bush, who 
was unveiling his legislative plan at a Washington-area school Tuesday, 
also would allow some 80 million taxpayers who do not itemize their taxes 
to claim a deduction for contributions to charitable organizations, meaning 
they wouldn't have to pay taxes on the money they contribute.

Under current law, religious groups must create separate organizations that 
do not promote religion or discriminate in hiring to compete for grants. So 
while a Catholic church is free to hire only Catholics for its staff, an 
affiliated, government-funded homeless shelter at the church may not 
consider religion when it hires its workers.

The LDS Church issued the following statement Tuesday regarding Bush's 
proposal: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has operated an 
effective welfare and humanitarian program for more than 60 years. 
Government funding has never been a factor in our welfare efforts. Rather, 
our work is based on principles of self-reliance, community service and 
Christian giving from our own members. Our hearts reach out to the 
disadvantaged wherever they may be."

Critics complain that by breaking down these rules, Bush's plan amounts to 
government funding of discrimination.

"I don't want Bob Jones University to be able to take federal dollars for 
an alcohol treatment program and put out a sign that says no Catholics or 
Jews need apply," said Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas.

But Edwards is one of only a few vocal opponents in Congress, and he 
predicts the initiative will "fly through the House." Civil liberties and 
civil rights groups plotted strategy to fight it and vowed a court 
challenge if they lose.

But the centrist Democratic Leadership Council touted its own support for 
similar faith-based programs, and opponents privately admitted that it's 
tough to persuade politicians to oppose funding for churches. Backers say 
Americans looking for aid will have secular alternatives and that no 
organization will use tax dollars to preach religion. "It can fund the 
soup, it can fund the shelter; it shouldn't fund the Bibles," said former 
Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, whom Bush named to the board of the 
Corporation for National Service, where he will help oversee the initiative.
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