Religious funding debate has some praying for answers
Published 9:00 pm Sunday, May 6, 2001
By Laura Meckler
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Sending taxpayer dollars to the neighborhood church or synagogue sounds like a great idea to many Americans. But what about government money for the Nation of Islam, Scientologists, Hare Krishnas or Wiccans?
The question is asked repeatedly in the debate over President Bush’s plan to open federal programs to religious groups. Both sides agree there can be only one answer: Yes, all religions are eligible to apply for government contracts because to bar certain faiths from competing would amount to an unconstitutional government establishment of religion.
"It’s a settled issue of constitutional law," said John DiIulio, director of the White House Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives.
"The Constitution requires equal treatment," said the Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. "If you fund the Methodists, then you’ve got to fund the Muslims and the Mormons, too."
Still, the issue will not go away.
Testifying before Congress last month, DiIulio was asked whether Wiccans, people who practice witchcraft, could get money. He responded that he could not understand why anyone would focus on Wiccans.
His questioner, Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., appeared a little baffled by the response. "The bottom line is you agree with me," he said. "It’s a red herring — this (talk) about witchcraft."
Listeners could have come away from the exchange believing that neither man would give Wiccans the chance to participate in the program.
The confusion has its roots in last year’s presidential campaign, when Bush was asked whether the Nation of Islam, led by Louis Farrakhan, would be eligible for government contracts.
"I do not believe that any government funding should go to organizations like the Nation of Islam that spread hatred," Bush wrote in a letter to the Anti-Defamation League.
The question arose again in February when Bush launched his initiative. This time, officials said it would be impossible for government to pick and choose.
The public, too, appears jittery. A recent poll found that seven in 10 Americans believe "charitable religious organizations" should be eligible for government funds. But support dropped when people were asked about non-mainstream religions.
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