In February, U.S. President Barack Obama established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
In his press release, Obama admitted that people’s needs for purpose and expressions of faith are stronger forces than government. While this office existed under President Bush, it was mainly for purposes of ensuring charities had access to grants. Under Obama, the office is meant to allow religious groups to have the ear of the president — not to allow the government to funnel funding to religious groups. The council will consider issues surrounding the family, teen pregnancy, poverty, and interfaith dialogue.
The council comprises 25 members from different religious backgrounds including Catholic, Protestant, Reform Judaism, Interfaith, Secular, Hindu, Islamic, and more. The group also includes a magazine editor, a gay rights activitist, and representatives from various charities.
Read the full list of names online.
Copyright 2009, Religion Transcends