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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N25697.htmBush aims to lower corporate hurdles for faith funds
WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush plans a meeting of corporate and religious leaders next year to increase business contributions to social programs sponsored by religious organizations, the White House said on Monday.
Bush discussed the idea during a 40-minute meeting with 20 African-American leaders as part of his push to encourage contributions to faith-based groups that provide social service programs to their communities.
Bush, who publicly talks about his own Christian beliefs, advocates providing government funds to religious organizations for their community programs but critics say that crosses the traditional separation of church and state.
"Many large corporations have policies that explicitly rule out donations or grants to faith-based organizations regardless of their effectiveness," Jim Towey, director of the White House office of faith-based and community initiatives, said.
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