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Developments In Obama's Faith Based Partnerships Program

By Howard M. Friedman

JTA reported Tuesday on the White House briefing earlier this week for the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Advisory Council and a wide spectrum of religious leaders-- including advocates of church-state separation. (See prior posting.) OFBNP executive director Joshua DuBois told those in attendance that the Office would put less emphasis on the Bush administration's concern about equal access to grants. Instead it will seek the expertise of faith-based groups on policy goals such as fighting poverty, promoting responsible fatherhood, reducing unintended pregnancies, and enhancing inter-religious cooperation. He also said that OFBNP will strengthen the "legal and constitutional footing" and draw "appropriate legal lines" for religious groups receiving government funds.

Meanwhile on Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced the appointment of Peter Groff as the Director for the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center in the Office of the Secretary. Groff, who is currently president of the Colorado Senate, plans to enlist faith-based groups in support of equal access to education and educational excellence for all Americans.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on April 11, 2009 (boomark / email).