VCU forum to address faith-based funding

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Commonwealth University will host a forum on a controversial proposal to allow religious organizations to compete for public tax dollars to help the needy. "The Charitable Choice Forum," sponsored by VCU’s Public Administration Program, will be held at noon Feb. 16 at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St.

Originally enacted in 1996 at the federal level by President Bill Clinton, a more aggressive initiative is now being promoted by President George W. Bush. The new president’s proposal would allow religious institutions to compete for a share of social services money. The Virginia General Assembly is considering similar legislation.

Supporters see the proposal as a boon to addressing the pressing human-services demands of society, while critics are concerned about maintaining separation of church and state and protecting individual rights.

The forum panelists will be Jane B. Brown, director of community program and resources for the Virginia Department of Social Services; and the Rev. J. Fletcher Lowe, Jr., executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Russell A. Cargo, Ph.D., acting chairman of VCU’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration, will moderate.

"Charitable and faith-based organizations have historically provided social services that benefit individuals, families and community life," Brown said. "However, when they elect to compete for federal funds, it is important to understand what this means for those who deliver services and those who receive them."

"There are some alligators out there you have to look out for," said Lowe, whose organization addresses issues involving poverty, welfare reform and health care. "We’re concerned about whether the state will dump stuff on the church to get out of the social-services business."

The event is sponsored by the Public Administration Program of VCU’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration. "This issue seems to make people nervous because they’re not sure what it all means," said director Janet R. Hutchinson, Ph.D., program director. "There might be some constitutional issues involving the separation of church and state as well as civil rights issues." She said the forum will give the local community an opportunity to talk and ask questions.

The one-hour forum is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Call 828-1046.