[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 33 (Monday, August 20, 2001)]
[Page 1182]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Report of the White House Office on Faith-Based and 
Community Initiatives

August 16, 2001

    On January 29, 2001, I signed an Executive order creating Centers 
for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in the Departments of Health 
and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Justice, and 
Education. I charged each Center to conduct a Department-wide audit and 
identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and 
community organizations in Federal social service programs.
    Over the past 6 months, five Cabinet Offices for Faith-Based and 
Community Initiatives have examined administrative procedures, programs, 
and policies. Today the White House Office on Faith-Based and Community 
Initiatives reported their findings.
    The report, entitled ``Unlevel Playing Field,'' highlights the 
funding gap between the Government and the grassroots. It points out 
significant barriers organizations face in obtaining Federal support for 
their compassionate work. And it shows clearly how much work needs to be 
done to mobilize the armies of compassion.
    The Cabinet Centers have done vitally important work in examining 
Federal social service programs. We now see exactly what kind of 
obstacles stand in the way of a more compassionate America. Our emphasis 
must always remain on getting compassionate results. We look forward to 
addressing these inequities through legislation, administrative action, 
and education. Americans in need are depending upon it.