In The News

Bush Pushes "Faith" Agenda

President Bush, speaking at a White House conference on faith-based initiatives on March 1 in D.C., called on Congress to remove its "roadblocks" to the program, and said he is dedicated to advancing his faith agenda.

The White House released data that 600 religious groups obtained federal grants for the first time in the past two years, showing faith-based groups now receive 10% of available social service grants.

Five federal agencies spent $1.33 billion for religious groups last year, compared to $1.17 billion in fiscal 2003, despite an $800 million decrease in total money available.

David Kuo, former deputy director of the White House faith-based office, publicly complained that "the proportion of funds for religious groups has increased because the overall pie has shrunk."

Bush and Laura Bush are now promoting a new, 3-year, $150 million faith-based initiative to keep "at-risk" youths out of trouble.

Americorps Challenge Lost

The federal AmeriCorps program can subsidize volunteer teachers in Roman Catholic schools, a U.S. appeals court ruled on March 8, overturning a lower court ruling calling the practice unconstitutional.

The American Jewish Congress contested the fact that some participants in the Education Awards program taught religion as well as secular subjects in Catholic schools.

Participants are given $4,725 in financial aid for college tuition and loan repayment for completing at least 1,700 hours in approved AmeriCorps service positions. The national service program is overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

In July 2004, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler said the line between secular and religious activities was "completely blurred" and there was a lack of monitoring.

The appeals court ruled that participants who teach religion in addition to secular subjects choose to do so, and that hours spent in religious instruction do not count toward qualifying for financial aid.

Santorum's Catholic Sanctuary

U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Penn., is running a course on Catholic doctrine for fellow members of Congress at his Senate office, directed by a local priest. According to The Hill, Santorum sent a February letter inviting "a select group," six House members and 10 senators, all Catholic Republicans. Lessons cover "the importance of faith, the creed, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the moral virtues and personal prayer/'The Our Father,' " according to The Hill.

Other Capitol religious activities include regular Thursday prayer breakfasts by House members.

Frist Backs BSA Bias

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., announced plans in March to introduce a bill to "protect" the Boy Scouts from "unfair discrimination" because they discriminate against gays and atheists.

"The Boy Scouts depend on equal access to public facilities and participation in public programs and forums," Frist said.