What are our candidates stances on Faith-based Inititives?

[dbackjon]

Have any made any statements on this?

[Adsos Letter]

1. Don't know, but it is an EXCELLENT question...

I want them to disentangle religion and government...it is a threat to liberty.

[NC_Nurse]

2. I'm glad you asked. I doubt they have addressed it.

Lots of religious pandering so far....

[Adsos Letter]

4. That's what concerns me, NC Nurse...

how much "reaching across the aisle" are we gonna' be expected to do on issues of Church/State separation?

[IndianaJones]

3. "And one can envision certain faith-based programs...

—targeting ex-offenders or substance abusers—that offer a uniquely powerful way of solving problems and hence merit carefully tailored support."

Barack Obama

[dbackjon]

6. Not good

I don't want ANY faith-based programs - they don't work, are rife with corruption and mis-use, and are frankly Un-American.

[IndianaJones]

8. Obama is deeply religious and it guides him in all facets of his life. nt.

[Adsos Letter]

10. Well, the CONSTITUTION is what needs to "guide" him if he becomes president...

Just sayin'...

[IndianaJones]

11. He believes faith and morality are impossible to seperate from politics. nt.

[Adsos Letter]

12. Fine, he believes that...but the Constitution dictates...

what role religion is allowed to play in government, and vice-versa, if my understanding is correct...and that is the oath he has to take; to uphold the Constitution.

[magatte]

16. don't worry, poster just above you is just spreading untruths...

Don't pay attention to the previous poster. He or she is just shit-stirring, by telling provocative lies.
In the vein of: Barack is Muslim drug-dealing republican.

[Cant trust em]

5. They probably won't address this until the general election

The Dems don't fight each other about who can be the most socially conservative so I'd be surprised if this comes out before we have a nominee.

[dbackjon]

7. Which is a shame - this should be important.

Rolling back the Bush agenda on ALL fronts is paramount.

[maximusveritas]

9. They all support them to some extent

http://pewforum.org/religion08/compare.php?Issue=Faith__Based_Initiatives

Clinton has articulated support for faith-based programs that address social ills and provide social services, adding that "there is no contradiction between support for faith-based initiatives and upholding our constitutional principles." She says that faith-based groups are often the most willing to tackle the difficult problems of the inner cities and venture into violent neighborhoods because instead of seeing "trouble," they "see God's work right in front of them."

Edwards says the poor would not survive in many parts of the country without "the existence of good, effective faith-based organizations." When Edwards announced his presidential bid in New Orleans in December 2006, he extolled the work of faith-based groups in the city. "You walk around in these neighborhoods and what you'll hear is that most of the good that has been done in New Orleans has been done by faith-based groups, charitable groups and volunteers," he said.

While he emphasizes the need for the separation of church and state, Obama says there is room for faith-based approaches to social problems. "One can envision certain faith-based programs – targeting ex-offenders or substance abusers – that offer a uniquely powerful way of solving problems," he said in June 2006.

[ClericJohnPreston]

13. Give me a break....

Obama is the closest candidate to Evangelical status. You don't want to go there, especially since his supporters don't want to see the name, McClurkin.

And Constitutionally, I agree with Adsoletter. I for one am sick and tired of religion being spoon fed this Electorate. The Fundies of Bushco are slime from dead Falwell, to Dobson. I don't care if it is a Dem, I don't want a Theocracy, but seperation of church and State.

[dbackjon]

14. Very disapointing

PRIVATE Faith-based groups can do good - but should not recieve tax funds.

[ClericJohnPreston]

15. Agreed!