Texas Gov. Bush Touts `Charitable Choice' Aid To Churches.

Republican presidential contender George W. Bush has promised to pour billions in federal funds into the coffers of religious groups to perform social services if he is elected.

Bush, currently serving his second term as governor of Texas, said during a July 22 speech in Indianapolis that the federal government should "rally the armies of compassion in our communities" and provide tax incentives and federal funds to houses of worship to spur their social service work. He promised to spend $8 billion during his first year in office on tax incentives for charitable donations and to support charities and religious groups.

"In every instance when my administration sees a responsibility to help people, we will look first to faith-based institutions, to charities and to community groups that have shown their ability to save and change lives," he said.

At a news conference after the speech, Bush insisted his proposal will not violate church-state separation, saying, "I'm told by the legal experts that my initiative will pass constitutional muster. We will send money to fund services. But the money does not go to fund the religious programs within the institution."

Bush said he wants to change the federal tax laws so that taxpayers who do not itemize deductions can still receive credit for charitable contributions. He also called for directing federal funding toward InterChange, a Texas program that uses religion to convince prison inmates to change their ways. He said he will revise laws to allow religious organizations "to provide services in every federal, state and local social program."

Bush insisted that such services must be "non-sectarian" and said, "We will keep a commitment to pluralism [and] not discriminate for or against Methodist or Mormons or Muslims or good people with no faith at all." He said he would make sure that "secular alternatives" are available as well.

Bush's speech came just two months after Vice President Al Gore endorsed "charitable choice" at a speech in Atlanta. During the speech, Gore lauded the work of "faith-based organizations" and said they should be able to receive federal funding without watering down their religious character.

Remarked Gore, "I give you this pledge: If you elect me president, the voices of faith-based organizations will be integral to the policies set forth in my administration."

Critics say both Bush and Gore are overlooking the potential church-state abuses that may occur under "charitable choice" schemes. Recently, a North Carolina ministry called Operation Blessing lost $50,000 in federal funds because it persisted in asking people questions about religion on a form applicants had to fill out before getting help.

Officials at the Cumberland County Community Development Office cut off the aid when it came to light that Operation Blessing was asking applicants if they were saved and if they believed they will go to heaven. Agency officials said the ministry, which offered a variety of services to the homeless, was not permitted to ask questions about religion.