Faith based groups and federal money

President Bush says religious charities can now compete for federal money. That puts them up against federal agencies and other charitable groups. <br><br>The order allows faith-based groups to apply

Monday, December 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

President Bush says religious charities can now compete for federal money. That puts them up against federal agencies and other charitable groups.

The order allows faith-based groups to apply for billions of dollars in social-service money. Some people like the idea, but other groups like the John 3-16 mission say they won't apply for the money because of the stipulations. Rev Steve Whitaker, "If we were to take that money, we would have to quit preaching the Bible that we do, that's what's distinctively different about John 3:16, spiritual instruction."

The executive order bars organizations from using government money to support "inherently religious" activities.

That would include worship or religious instruction, but they can maintain a religious tone.