COURT HEARS CHALLENGE TO FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE
The first major religion case to come before the U.S. Supreme Court since Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito took their seats was argued yesterday. The case involves a legal challenge to President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative filed by an atheist group, the Wisconsin- based Freedom from Religion Foundation. The organization claims the White House is unconstitutionally using "public money" to help church- based groups win social service grants and contracts. U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement argued that the foundation has no legal standing to mount a challenge -- and shouldn't even be allowed to sue.
Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action, explained. "The cornerstone of our federal judicial system is that only litigants who suffer some type of concrete injury can avail themselves of our courts,"courts.This keeps the court system from being overwhelmed." Hausknecht added that the atheist group's only claim for being in federal court is simply that they are taxpayers. "But the Supreme Court has said that, generally speaking, taxpayer status is not enough to ask a federal court to prohibit any branch of government from doing anything the taxpayer thinks is unconstitutional." A decision is not expected until the end of the term. (Citizen Link)
• What a sad day for Americans that our government, which is based on Biblical principles, cannot offer public funds for humanitarian purposes without atheists whining. Of course, others may think that faiths other than those based on the Bible will demand funds for their purposes - perhaps terrorist agendas. Please pray that the Supreme Court justices will use godly wisdom in deciding this case. Pray God's protection over these funds - that monies will be used for His directions. • "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you." ( 1 Thessalonians 3: 12)
