Group Praises Churches For Katrina Aid; Opposes Faith-Based Initiatives

According to 2theadvocate, the Interfaith Alliance, a Washington-based religious group, issued its report "Day 56" on Tuesday, criticizing the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. At the same time, the Report praised churches that provided food, clothing, shelter and transportation, focusing on Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. The Report said, "Because many government leaders reacted so poorly, the religious community -- among many other community groups -- has been left holding an empty bag with no relief in sight." It called for tax incentives for charitable giving, a commitment to public education and improvement to welfare. However, the report also emphasized the Alliance's objection to government faith-based initiatives, saying "Religion should not be dictated from The White House or legislated from the halls of Congress. This is not where religion works."