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Dozens of Groups to Justice Dept: End Faith-Based Hiring

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all good things

Globals of MO 5:11AM October 03, 2009

While I have no problem with faith-based organizations providing public assistance, I strongly object to providing federal funding - including my tax dollars - to any organization that is exempt from federal law.
Determining whether federal funds are used for religious or non-religious purposes within a religious organization is not easily accomplished. Religious organizations already are funded by our federal government, in that they do not pay taxes on their income like the rest of us. Most of them are wealthier than many of our strongest corporations - they don't need additional fedel money.

David Parker of NC 2:56PM September 22, 2009

Whereas, the government is involved, the direct principle of separation of church and state should be upheald. This principle illiminates conflicts of issue that often arrise, who to help and who to not help. There are many organizations in the medical care fields that direct their assistance to specific groups while at the same time not assisting others who do not meet their criterea of faith whether intentional or non-intentional.
The same goes for their hiring practaces, Hiring individuals of their particualar faith as one of their hiring requirements while not even giving individuals higher qualified an opportunity, is as well unjust.
I am, all for, on the other hand, where individuals being hired under these faith based organizations having these employees in full, discolosure, sign an agreement letter where these employees, understand that they are working in a faith based organization where some of its employees have particular beliefes and practices, and that they are asked for understanding of these beliefes as the organization would be understanding of theirs, as under Federal Law.
But where Federal Funding is involved many of these organizations use their resources to expand their faith into their secular services that they provide and is direct violation of the principle of separation of Church and State.
If these organizations are so interested in using federal funding for the exhistance of their organizations then they need to follow the requirements that the funding entails. Bush's allowing these types of policies is just another example of the executive's branch disregard to the religious principles of which this country was founded.

Jones Munoz of NY 2:53PM September 22, 2009

Whereas, the government is involved, the direct principle of separation of church and state should be upheald. This principle illiminates conflicts of issue that often arrise, who to help and who to not help. There are many organizations in the medical care fields that direct their assistance to specific groups while at the same time not assisting others who do not meet their criterea of faith whether intentional or non-intentional.
The same goes for their hiring practaces, Hiring individuals of their particualar faith as one of their hiring requirements while not even giving individuals higher qualified an opportunity, is as well unjust.
I am, all for, on the other hand, where individuals being hired under these faith based organizations having these employees in full, discolosure, sign an agreement letter where these employees, understand that they are working in a faith based organization where some of its employees have particular beliefes and practices, and that they are asked for understanding of these beliefes as the organization would be understanding of theirs, as under Federal Law.
But where Federal Funding is involved many of these organizations use their resources to expand their faith into their secular services that they provide and is direct violation of the principle of separation of Church and State.
If these organizations are so interested in using federal funding for the exhistance of their organizations then they need to follow the requirements that the funding entails. Bush's allowing these types of policies is just another example of the executive's branch disregard to the religious principles of which this country was founded.

Jones Munoz of NY 2:52PM September 22, 2009

Americans have a long history of charitable organizations, many religious, providing significant financial and social support to their communities. I have no issue with faith-based organizations favoring members of their faith in hiring and staffing. To do otherwise does not make sense.
However, I do not see why faith-based groups should be receive federal government funding - unless their programs and benefits are open to all in need. I believe that in most cases, this is the case. It seems to me that should be a fairly simple audit to conduct before approving and distributing public dollars.

JR Gordon of FL 8:54PM September 20, 2009

The debate continues on whether we should have freedom from religion or freedom of religion.
To allow all religious organizations the right to have a part in the promotion of care and welfare in the resolving of social problems should not require a second thought as long as personal choice is fundamental.
It should be obvious that some type of personal faith in the order of life is helpful to ones purpose and achievement.
May the best evangelist win as long as there is complete freedom of choice?
That is true in business and should be true in other areas of choice and activity

Hugh Davis of MO 6:43PM September 19, 2009