Birmingham program questions White House "faith-based" listing

[struggle4progress]

By BOB JOHNSON
Associated Press Writer

Birmingham's Aletheia House, which operates drug rehabilitation programs, is among 18 Alabama organizations listed by the White House as receiving federal funds under President Bush's "faith-based initiative."

But Aletheia House director Chris Retan said Tuesday it gets no funds from religious organizations, does not use church facilities for any of its programs and he does not know why it was included on the White House list.

"We were never contacted and asked if we are a faith-based organization," Retan said. "We have no affiliation to any churches." <snip>

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050104/APN/501041037


Short summary: the White House apparently relies on relevation to divine which organizations receiving federal funds are "faith-based." Perhaps this is because the White House needs to economize on long distance bills me -- or maybe it's just because the staff is just incredibly lazy ...

[LoZoccolo]

1. Maybe someone thought "Aletheia" sounded like it was from the Bible.

Sounds kind-of Greek.

Honestly, I'd think "Aletheia House" was a religious charity if I just saw the name!

[Syrinx]

2. I think it means truth and sincerity

And it is used in the Bible. King James version at least. Oh, and yes, it is of Greek origin.

[cornermouse]

3. Sort of makes you wonder if someone used the

Aletheia House's name to apply and IS collecting the money the Aletheia House didn't know they were getting?