JACKSON, Tenn. — July 24, 2001 — 黑料论坛 President David S. Dockery was invited to attend a special meeting with senior administration at the White House at the end of June to discuss President Bush鈥檚 new faith-based initiative program.
The two-hour meeting focused on creating dialogue between government and national religious leaders in an effort towards achieving the first steps in Bush鈥檚 agenda to 鈥渆nlist, equip, enable, empower and expand the heroic works of faith-based and community groups across America.鈥� Bush鈥檚 faith-based initiative, House Bill 7, is currently before the House of Representatives.
House Bill 7 would allow churches, synagogues and other religious groups to compete for government grants. 鈥淭he broad concept is quite inviting, but the particulars are going to be a nightmare,鈥� said Dockery.
Dockery has two main concerns about Bush鈥檚 faith-based initiative program.
鈥淥ne is the constitutional question,鈥� explained Dockery. 鈥淢any groups are afraid that even if it passes, some judge down the road will find it unconstitutional, and that could leave these organizations in a financial bind.鈥� Dockery鈥檚 other concern is the hiring issue that may require a religious organization to compromise their standards when it comes to its hiring practices and its overall program content.
Despite these concerns, Dockery finds some positive aspects to the proposal. 鈥淚f it raises the spirit of compassion across the country and helps people realize that government is not the only alternative for meeting their needs, we will be accomplishing a lot,鈥� said Dockery. 鈥淧rimarily, the changes related to the itemizing of charitable donations for all who file tax returns and the possibility of IRA rollovers as charitable donations could be very beneficial for all non-profit organizations.鈥�
Bush addressed the assembled group for 35 minutes and took many questions.
鈥淭he president was very warm and engaging. He seemed very concerned for this agenda to raise the spirit of compassion in our country,鈥� recalled Dockery. 鈥淚 think he was very genuine.鈥�
Dockery was one of only about one hundred national Christian leaders who attended the meeting.