wfn.org | General Conference urges caution on White House's faith-based agenda

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

May 5, 2004   GC04-073

By Elliott Wright*

PITTSBURGH (UMNS) -- The General Conference of the United Methodist Church
advised its congregations and related institutions in the United States to
walk cautiously in relation to one of the central concepts of the Bush
administration's "faith-based" agenda.

A resolution adopted without debate addressed "charitable choice," which
involves the use of public funds for social services and community
development programs.

The issue is not whether church-related programs should accept tax dollars
but concerned hiring practices and legal structures of organizations
receiving them.

"Charitable choice" entered the U.S. political and social-service vocabulary
as part of a welfare reform act in 1996. It allows religious organizations
receiving federal funds to hire only persons of their own religious
persuasion. It also permits religious organizations to directly receive
government money without setting up separate nonprofit corporations, a
practice of concern among United Methodists.

President George W. Bush incorporated "charitable choice" into a program to
make more faith-based organizations federal service providers. It is a
central plank in the president's "faith-based and community initiatives."

The resolution reminds United Methodists of existing guidelines on the
receipt and use of public dollars, including non-discrimination in hiring.
Language specifically discrimination based on race, gender and religious
affiliation was removed in a legislative committee, but a provision already
exists in a measure adopted by General Conference in 2000.

Entitled "Charitable Choice," the resolution as amended was passed without
opposition in a legislative committee.	It was approved on a consent calendar
and was not debated on the floor.

The resolution originated with the United Methodist Board of Global
Ministries, which relates to community centers and other programs affected by
federal social service legislation, regulations, and funding streams.

United Methodists, according to the new resolution, should "abide by the
historical and prudent principle of separate nonprofit incorporation for
organizations and programs receiving public service funds, including the
setting up of separate service corporations by congregations so engaged." It
said this approach was needed to protect "the church from liability claims."
This is long-standing United Methodist policy.

Delegates also agreed that congregations and church-related social service
institutions should carefully investigate the terms and implications of all
public grants and contracts "to ensure that the tasks undertaken and expected
outcomes are consistent with the United Methodist Social Principles."

Another provision encourages United Methodists to engage in dialogue on the
public policy and religious liberty implications of "charitable choice."
	    
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* Wright is the information officer for the United Methodist Board of Global
Ministries.

News media contact: (412) 325-6080 during General Conference, April 27-May 7.
After May 10: (615) 742-5470. 

 
 

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United Methodist News Service
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