Facebook Twitter Email
MARCH 8, 2001

Facing criticism from some of the nation's religious and civil rights leaders, the White House on Wednesday began its defense of President George W. Bush's controversial faith-based initiative.

In a speech before a National Association Of Evangelicals meeting in Dallas, Texas, the head of the White House Office of Faith Based Initiatives lashed out against some of the program's biggest doubters who say it blurs the line between church and state, undermines the very nature of religious service, and could end up funding discriminatory organizations. But while he didn't mention any by name, John J. DiIulio Jr. had harsh words for those he said were "polarizing" the debate.

"With all due respect, and in all good fellowship, predominantly white, ex-urban evangelical and national para-church leaders, should be careful not to presume to speak for any persons other than themselves and their own churches," said DiIulio.

DiIulio's speech was a thinly veiled attack against critics like Christian Coalition president Pat Robertson, who supported Attorney General John Ashcroft, and Jerry Falwell. Both say Bush's program could compromise religious spirituality.

Hoping to draw the support of minorities, DiIulio contrasted their stance with the views of African-American and Hispanic spiritual leaders whom he said were more than willing to "say Amen" to Bush's plan. DiIulio, who is white, went as far to suggest minority and urban churches provide more public service than their white counterparts.

"In particular, compared to predominantly ex-urban white evangelical churches, urban African-American and Latino faith communities have benevolent traditions and histories that make them generally more dedicated to community-serving missions, and generally more confident about engaging public and secular partners in achieving those missions," said DiIulio.

Many minority leaders might agree with DiIulio's assessment of their congregations, but not all will be seeking federal funds. Jesse Jackson last month said religious messages could be "compromised by grant money" and said the government shouldn't be relying on others to do its job.

And while Bush is calling on agencies to open their doors to religious groups, his ultimate goal is -- as Jackson and others fear -- less dependence on the federal government and more on community organizations and state and local governments. Coupled with tax breaks for individuals and corporations who make charitable donations and numerous budget cuts, Bush's plan intends to kick-start private solutions to drug abuse, homelessness, and other social problems.

But DiIulio yesterday said the White House isn't simply going to hand out money to faith-based or religious groups simply because they ask for it. Only organizations with proven track records would receive support.

"I have faith in the 'faith factor,' but we need unflinching, empirical data that conclusively verifies strong outcomes," he said.

DiIulio also criticized media reports which suggested his own office will be a money pit. He said the office would have at most 10 staff members, not 100 as reported.

Bush's plan so far directs five federal agencies to establish their own faith-based centers that will coordinate with DiIulio's office. DiIulio said at most 40 workers would staff these centers and that they won't be new hires.

Get DiIulio's Speech:
Compassion "In Truth and Action": How Sacred and Secular Places Serve Civic Purposes, and What Washington "Should and Should Not" Do To Help (The White House 3/7)

Related Stories;
Bush launches defense of faith plan (Politics 3/7)
Bush's religious plan criticized (Politics 2/27)
Bush extols 'power of prayer' (Politics 02/02)
Bush calls up 'armies of compassion' (Politics 1/31)
Bush seeks to eliminate religious 'obstacles' (Politics 1/30)
Faith takes center stage with Bush (Politics 1/29)