BUSH WANTS RELIGIONS TO HAVE ROLE IN HIS POLICE STATE

BOING BOING - Here's a US Presidential Order (13397) to "expand
opportunities for faith-based and other community organizations and to
strengthen their capacity to better meet America's social and community
needs" [in homeland security]. First and foremost DHS is tasked with
creating a "Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives". This
center is supposed to be in effect no less than 45 days from the
issuance of the prez order. So look for the new org on April 20th or
somewhere thereabout. . . Snip from the text of the order:

Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives. In carrying out the purpose set forth in section 2 of this
order, the Center shall: (a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI
Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to
the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in
the delivery of social and community services by the Department,
including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procurement,
and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that
unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage
the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in
Federal programs;

(b) coordinate a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate
faith-based and other community organizations in Department programs and
initiatives to the greatest extent possible;

(c) propose initiatives to remove barriers identified pursuant to
section 3(a) of this order, including but not limited to reform of
regulations, procurement, and other internal policies and practices, and
outreach activities;

(d) propose the development of innovative pilot and demonstration
programs to increase the participation of faith-based and other
community organizations in Federal as well as State and local
initiatives; and

(e) develop and coordinate Departmental outreach efforts to disseminate
information more effectively to faith-based and other community
organizations with respect to programming changes, contracting
opportunities, and other agency initiatives, including but not limited
to Web and Internet resources.

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/03/11/pres_order_calls_for.html

FULL TEXT
http://cryptome.org/eo13397.htm