The Guardian This week, in one of his first policy measures, President Bush handed over social services to religious groups - using public money to encourage them to do welfare work. The idea was formed when Mr Bush was a candidate. He says he converted to Jesus after meeting Billy Graham in 1985. But political enthusiasm for social action by the churches is not confined to America. I want to roll back the frontiers of the state so that more work of faith and secular community-based initiatives can flourish.
Religious people have as much right to a place in public life as any other citizen in our country.
It is easy to see the political appeal. Charities operating under their ethos are more likely to inculcate spiritual values and social concern. They have been at it for years too - some since Victorian times. And, if they take things over, it will be one more means of rolling back the state and even, maybe, reducing public expenditure. Not necessarily, say religious charities and the church people who support them.