New Center That Receives Faith-Based Funding Highlighted

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator Rick Santorum last night spoke at the opening of the El Shaddai Ministries' Bethlehem Christian Training Center that has received more than $300,000 in federal aid through President Bush's Faith and Community Based Initiative. The Allentown, Pennsylvania Morning Call reported Friday on the programs offered by the Center that are funded by federal dollars. One helps former prisoners find jobs; another teaches budgeting and financial literacy to people planning to buy their own homes; and a third provides marriage counseling. Rob Boston, a spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, complained that Faith Based funds are being used to further political goals where there are tight electoral races. Rev. Marilyn Hartman, executive pastor of El Shaddai, is married to the Rev. Gerry Hartman who was one of the plaintiffs in a 2002 lawsuit that unsuccessfully challenged the extension of Allentown's anti-discrimination laws to protect gays, lesbians and transsexuals.