Bush calls for funds for church projects [View All]

[CShine]

WASHINGTON -- President Bush, trying to revive a stalled initiative, said Tuesday the doctrine of separation of church and state should not prevent religious groups from competing for government money to help the needy.

Thwarted by Congress, the president has sidestepped lawmakers with executive orders and regulations to give religious organizations equal footing in competing for federal contracts. He is still fighting for legislation that would give religious groups access to federal funds as long as their services are available to anyone.

"I'm telling America, we need to not discriminate against faith-based programs," Bush said. "We need to welcome them so our society is more wholesome, more welcoming and more hopeful for every single citizen."

Opponents of Bush's initiative, launched in the early days of his administration, worry that government could wind up paying for religion. They also object to allowing taxpayer-funded groups to hire and fire based on religious persuasion.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2603844