So far, the momentum is in favor of faith-based programs. There is no empirical evidence to suggest that religious groups can operate social programs more effectively, or cheaper, than their secular counterparts. And there is considerable evidence to suggest that this government money will eventually be used to promote religious belief and proselytizing. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa. We want the White House, and the lawmakers in Washington, DC and elsewhere, to know that they must consider US, not just religious, special-interest groups, when deciding how to use the public coin.
Public officials pay more attention to such communications.
Click Here for writing tips, background and talking points and information on contacting public officials. Have your organization endorse the action, and try to participate in our Washington, DC press conference. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. Despite this, the whole issue of faith-based social programs and the public funding of religious outreaches is one issue that many of us can agree on, and work against on an ad hoc basis.