BUSH SEEKS TO EXPAND ROLE OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN WELFARE

LDS Say Government Funds Are Not A Factor

WASHINGTON - Seeking to expand the role of religious groups in social
programs, President Bush has seized on a politically popular initiative
that leaves opponents worried about breaching the wall between church and
state. The centerpiece of Bush's plan, which would allow religious groups
to compete for billions of dollars in government grants, is modeled after
similar efforts that previously have faced little opposition on Capitol
Hill. The proposal also calls for a slew of tax breaks to encourage
charitable giving.

But given the chance to involve religious groups in their welfare programs,
most states have done little or nothing so far to steer contracts toward
churches, synagogues and other religious organizations, proponents say. Now
Bush plans a major expansion of "charitable choice," which has been limited
to welfare, drug treatment and community development programs. The proposal
Bush was sending to Congress on Tuesday would open all federal grant
programs to religious groups.

"Government will never be replaced by charities and community groups," the
president said Monday. "Yet, when we see social needs in America, my
administration will look first at faith-based programs and community
groups, which have proven their power to save and change lives." Bush, who
was unveiling his legislative plan at a Washington-area school Tuesday,
also would allow some 80 million taxpayers who do not itemize their taxes
to claim a deduction for contributions to charitable organizations, meaning
they wouldn't have to pay taxes on the money they contribute.

Under current law, religious groups must create separate organizations that
do not promote religion or discriminate in hiring to compete for grants. So
while a Catholic church is free to hire only Catholics for its staff, an
affiliated, government-funded homeless shelter at the church may not
consider religion when it hires its workers.

The LDS Church issued the following statement Tuesday regarding Bush's
proposal: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has operated an
effective welfare and humanitarian program for more than 60 years.
Government funding has never been a factor in our welfare efforts. Rather,
our work is based on principles of self-reliance, community service and
Christian giving from our own members. Our hearts reach out to the
disadvantaged wherever they may be."

Critics complain that by breaking down these rules, Bush's plan amounts to
government funding of discrimination.

"I don't want Bob Jones University to be able to take federal dollars for
an alcohol treatment program and put out a sign that says no Catholics or
Jews need apply," said Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas.

But Edwards is one of only a few vocal opponents in Congress, and he
predicts the initiative will "fly through the House." Civil liberties and
civil rights groups plotted strategy to fight it and vowed a court
challenge if they lose.

But the centrist Democratic Leadership Council touted its own support for
similar faith-based programs, and opponents privately admitted that it's
tough to persuade politicians to oppose funding for churches. Backers say
Americans looking for aid will have secular alternatives and that no
organization will use tax dollars to preach religion. "It can fund the
soup, it can fund the shelter; it shouldn't fund the Bibles," said former
Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, whom Bush named to the board of the
Corporation for National Service, where he will help oversee the initiative.