Executive Order Gives More Freedom to Religious Groups

Trump Administration Signs Religious Freedom Order 

President Trump has signed an executive order revamping the White House office on faith issues, restoring a Bush-era initiative to get religious groups more involved in providing federally funded social services.

According to an article in USA Today, the executive order repeals Obama administration rules limiting the ability of groups getting federal funds to preach to those they serve. Under the Trump order, faith-based groups will no longer have to refer beneficiaries to alternative programs if they object to the religious teachings.   

The order changes the name of the faith-based office to the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative—dropping the words “community” and “neighborhood” that had been part of the office’s mandate under the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. The office will consult with faith leaders regularly, advising the U.S. Attorney General on ways that the federal government has failed “to comply with protections of federal law for religious liberty.”

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Article Source: USA Today

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