August 24, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
The Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, Vice President Al Gore, say the time has come for government to “find ways to harness the power of faith-based organizations in tackling social ills such as drug addiction, juvenile violence, and homelessness.”
The statement is part of the Democratic Party´s platform, which was adopted by delegates to the party´s nominating convention in Los Angeles, and reflects Mr. Gore´s views of the relationship between government and charities (The Chronicle, June 15).
“Faith-based and community-based organizations have always been at the forefront in combating the hardships facing families and communities,” the platform says.
“However,” the document says, “in contrast to the Republicans, Democrats believe that partnerships with faith-based organizations should augment — not replace — government programs, should respect First Amendment protections, and should never use taxpayer funds to proselytize or to support discrimination.”
The Republican Party and its presidential nominee, Governor George W. Bush, recently pledged in a platform statement to commit themselves to “aiding and encouraging the work of charitable and faith-based organizations” (The Chronicle, August 10). Republicans have said that Democrats have misrepresented their policy proposals on expanding the role of religious groups.
In a section of the Democratic Party platform devoted to “work and family” matters, the party says that government should provide grants to community and faith-based organizations “to help couples prepare for and strengthen their marriage and relationships, become better parents, and reduce domestic violence.´´
A copy of the Democratic Party platform can be found on the Web site of America 2000: The Democratic Convention, at http://www.dems2000.com.
