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Faith-Based Initiative Important for Restoration |
While the press doesn’t often cover President Bush’s Faith-Based Initiative anymore, churches and affiliated groups that are serving in communities across the country are still enthusiastic about it. The President has embraced these ministers of grace and mercy in a way no previous president has, and they have responded in kind.
President Bush received a warm reception to his remarks to religious and community leaders at the Union Bethel AME Church in New Orleans. The President told the gathered leaders:
Problems that face our society are oftentimes problems that require something greater than just a government program or a government counselor to solve. Intractable problems, problems that seem impossible to solve can be solved. There is the miracle of salvation… that is real, that is tangible, that is available for all to see. Miracles are possible in our society, one person at a time.
The President is right. At-risk people need loving relationships, not programs.
In California, the prison system was rocked with further revelations of wrongdoing. In powerful testimony before a state Senate committee, an assistant warden and a correctional officer told of threats and intimidations made against them and other administrators who reported wrongdoing. This follows on the heels of a report of a federal special master who found systematic efforts to thwart investigations. This dilemma has plagued governments since ancient times, Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who will guard the guards? Hopefully the new Governor and his newly appointed Secretary of Youth and Adult Corrections will act quickly and forcefully.
In His service,
Pat Nolan, Vice President
Prison Fellowship |
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