Washington D.C., Oct 30, 2003 / 22:00 pm
President George W. Bush renewed his pledge to work toward the faith-based initiative and give religious groups that offer social services, equal access to federal funding, as long as their services are available to anyone.
Bush made the announcement at the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas Oct. 29, when he dedicated a new youth education centre that will offer job and literacy training.
The Associated Press reported Bush as saying: “We don't want the church to be the state and we don't want the state to be the church, but the government should support the good work of religious people who are changing America.”
Despite the fact that the faith-based initiative was stalled in Congress, Bush created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives with the purpose of strengthening and expanding grassroots and faith-based services.