    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [June 25, 2007]
    [Pages 805-806]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on the Faith-Based and Community
    Initiative
    June 25, 2007

        Today's Supreme Court decision marks a substantial victory for
    efforts by Americans to more effectively aid our neighbors in need of
    help. The Faith-Based and Community Initiative can remain focused on
    strengthening America's armies of compassion and expanding their good
    works. Similar efforts by Governors and mayors in States and cities all
    across the country can also continue to advance.
        From the first days of my administration, we've championed the idea
    that those in need are better served when government draws on the
    strengths of every willing community partner--secular and faith-based,
    large and small. My administration has eliminated regulatory and policy
    barriers in the Federal Agencies, deliveredtraining and development to
    more than 50,000 social service entrepreneurs, and competitively awarded
    tens of thousands of Federal grants to faith-based and community
    organizations for service to others at home and abroad. These efforts
    fortify America's safety net and expand our Nation's supply of
    compassion.
        This ruling is a win for the thousands of community and faith-based
    nonprofits all across the country that have partnered with government at
    all levels to serve their neighbors. Most importantly, it is a win for
    the many whose lives have been lifted by the caring touch and
    compassionate hearts of these organizations.

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