White House slush fund for favored religious groups

US religious charities win $2.15bn in state grants

· White House increases awards to faith groups
· Concern that public funds used to gain converts

Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington
Saturday March 11, 2006
The Guardian

The Bush administration channelled $2.15bn (£1.25bn) to faith-based charities last year, advancing its mission to increase the share of government aid money given to religious organisations.

The figure, contained in a White House report unveiled on Thursday, does not account for all of the grants awarded by an administration determined to increase the involvement of churches and religious organisations in social services provision.

The revelation deepened concerns among aid professionals and civil liberty groups about the quality of services offered by some of the religious groups - especially at a time when funds for social programmes are being cut. There are also charges that the Bush administration is underwriting proselytising campaigns by the Christian right.

(The rest of the story is here.)