WASHINGTON -- Attorney General John Ashcroft supports giving religious organizations government money for social services, a debate critics say is unsuitable for the nation's top law enforcement official, according to The Associated Press.
Speaking in Denver to a conference of religious groups Jan. 13, Ashcroft said the government has discriminated against such groups.
"Out of fear, ignorance and occasional bigotry, faith-based groups have been prohibited from competing for federal funding on a level playing field with secular groups," said Ashcroft, the son of a Missouri Pentecostal preacher.
"For the first time in a long time, our leaders in Washington understand what Americans of all religious backgrounds have long held to be true: through faith, all things are possible," he said.
Critics, though, say it's inappropriate for Ashcroft to take such a stand given his role in government.
"I find it sad that the person who ought to be the top law enforcement official in America is actively trying to erase both civil rights and First Amendment protections," said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
The White House has indicated that Bush will attempt again this year to win passage of the faith-based initiative, especially with the Senate now back in Republican hands, according to the AP. (See story: Bush enacts key elements of faith-based initiative)
