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:: 1.16.2004 ::
Bush seeks billions for religious groups
Thu Jan 15, 1:34 PM ET
NEW ORLEANS, United States (AFP) - US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) asked his Justice Department (news - web sites) to take steps to release some 3.7 billion dollars in federal monies aimed at helping religious charities, the White House said.
"At the President's direction, the Department of Justice took action to finalize regulations that implement President Bush's policy of ending discrimination against faith-based charities in the Federal grants process," it said in a statement.
The move applies to 3.7 billion dollars, including programs to support victims of crime, the prevention of child victimization, and safe schools, the White House said.
Bush decided one year ago to implement by decree some elements of his controversial "faith-based initiative," which aims to steer funds to religious charities, eroding the traditional separation between church and state.
The program was part of the president's 2000 campaign platform, but the divided US Congress has yet to approve it.
Hoping to win momentum for the initiative, as well as court black voters who overwhelmingly backed his 2000 rival, Al Gore, Bush visited a New Orleans church he said would benefit from his plan.
"This country must not fear the influence of faith in the future of this country. We must welcome faith in order to make America a better place," said the president, who is a regular church-goer. [emphasis added] Article in YahooNews.
:: Deb 10:27 AM :: permalink ::
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