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Government-Funded Religion
Frequently Asked Questions
What's wrong with giving money to religious groups who provide social programs as long as they are voluntary?
That is one of the most common arguments for the Faith-based Initiative. However, these programs allow – and actually encourage – government involvement in religion, thus opening doors to a host of troubling possibilities that push the bounds of constitutional provisions. According to ACLU of Florida's Executive Director, Howard Simon, "this dangerous standard underlying Bush's program would realign the relationship between government and religious institutions in American society in ways that go well beyond programs that treat mental illness and drug addiction, and that provide job training and refugee resettlement. In public school classrooms, for example, teachers could lead students in the sectarian prayers of the majority's religion — as long as children of minority religious faith are not coerced to participate and are excused."
Are all religious groups in support of The White House Faith-based and Community Initiatives?
No. Groups such as Catholic Charities USA, Lutheran Services in America, United Jewish Communities, the Anti-Defamation League and even the Christian Coalition's Pat Robertson, a strong Bush supporter, have been among those voicing concerns. The reasons vary — some because they understand the value of the First Amendment for their own groups as well as the state; others are worried that without clear definitions for which religious groups are deserving of such distinction, money could end up in what they believe are "irresponsible hands." Pat Robertson, for instance, stated his personal concern over whether government should provide money for faith-based services run by Scientologists, Hare Krishnas, or Louis Farrakhan. The Bush plan does not dictate that funds will go to one type of group over another, and whether right or wrong, that's enough to make some leaders uncomfortable.
Are there similar programs being initiated at the state level in Florida?
Yes — Governor Jeb Bush is a strong supporter of his brother's faith-based initiatives and the fact that the Florida House of Representatives appropriations package provides $630-million to faith-based institutions shows he's not the only one in Florida government who does. The organizations will have use of the public money almost free of restriction, and there are no safeguards in place to prevent it from being directed toward religious proselytizing efforts or discriminatory services. This has taken place despite the fact that the Florida Constitution is quite clear in its position on the separation of church and state. Section 3 of Article I reads: "No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution." There is an obvious contradiction between this position and the one demonstrated by the act of appropriating funds in this manner.
What are the alternatives to the Bush administration's plans?
Religious social service is best supported as it now is, through funding for non-discriminatory, non-sectarian programs provided through separate affiliates of religious organizations so that civil rights for all program participants are protected. Additionally, government can be involved in the admirable efforts of such organizations by encouraging volunteerism and tax-deductible contributions. To go further, is to involve the government in religion beyond what the Constitution permits.
