Separation

Beliefnet’s Dan Gilgoff has an interview with Obama on religion that’s worth a scan. Nothing especially new, but this answer to the “charitable choice” draws the critical distinction. You wrote in “The Audacity of Hope” about the role that faith and faith-based programs could play in confronting social ills. Isn’t your view on that similar […]

Beliefnet’s Dan Gilgoff has an interview with Obama on religion that’s worth a scan. Nothing especially new, but this answer to the “charitable choice” draws the critical distinction.

You wrote in “The Audacity of Hope” about the role that faith and faith-based programs could play in confronting social ills. Isn’t your view on that similar to George W. Bush’s?
No, I don’t think so, because I am much more concerned with maintaining the line between church and state. And I believe that, for the most part, we can facilitate the excellent work that’s done by faith-based institutions when it comes to substance abuse treatment or prison ministries…. I think much of this work can be done in a way that doesn’t conflict with church and state. I think George Bush is less concerned about that.
My general criteria is that if a congregation or a church or synagogue or a mosque or a temple wants to provide social services and use government funds, then they should be able to structure it in a way that all people are able to access those services and that we’re not seeing government dollars used to proselytize.

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!