The laws also dictate the range of programs in which government funds can be used, he said. Another answer is use of government vouchers, which actually would be accorded to the beneficiary of the services, not directly channeled to the faith-based organization, DiIulio said. This would allow a person to receive the religious agency's services without crossing constitutional lines, he said. It can be an option when secular organizations that provide the same services also are available, he added. Olasky affirmed vouchers.
Vouchers avoid problems of discrimination, government entanglement and church-state relations.
DiIulio's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is taking on three challenges, he told the religious leaders. He told a news conference the office will work with several pilot programs this year and then make funds available to applicant organizations next year. President Bush's faith-based initiative has drawn concern from two of his strongest allies within the Religious Right. This thing could be a real Pandora's box, and what seems to be a great initiative can rise up to bite the organizations as well as the federal government. He expressed concern that public tax dollars could be channeled to religious groups he opposes, such as the Hare Krishnas, the Church of Scientology and Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church.