Rules for Religion-Run Programs Finished (Faith-Based Is Back) [View All]

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON -- The White House is completing four government regulations and proposing a half-dozen more to provide federal money for religion-oriented programs run by people President Bush has dubbed America's "neighborhood healers."

Bush was to call Cabinet members to the White House on Monday to hear how they are eliminating barriers that have kept "faith-based" groups from obtaining federal grants to help people in need, said a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"The president feels very strongly that we need to tear down the wall that separates the poor from effective programs," the official said. "The president doesn't want to make the public square faith-favored, he simply wants to make it faith-friendly."

The official said the White House also would announce that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $30.5 million in grants to 81 organizations, which will use the money to provide technical assistance and sub-grants to church-related and community groups in 45 states.

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