A Greater Power Than Government

The power of the White House Office of Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships is that it indeed harnesses this greater force for good. President Obama recognizes that not all Americans are people of faith, but he creates room for all of us to express our greatest convictions in service to our neighbors.

Since I was in Washington, DC this week, I joined a good friend for Mass at a parish in Georgetown. Being Methodist, I was admittedly a bit disoriented, but was grateful for the opportunity to share with her a time of spiritual reflection and renewal.

It just so happened this past Sunday was the Sunday of the year when the Catholic Church asks for contributions for the charitable works of the church. The homily focused on our Christian commitment to serving those most in need, easing the burdens of our brothers and sisters. The priest noted that Catholic Charities is the largest private charitable organization in the world.

On February 5, President Obama signed an executive order establishing the White House Office of Faith-based Neighborhood Partnerships. Upon the signing President Obama noted, "There is a force for good greater than government. It is an expression of faith, this yearning to give back, this hungering for a purpose larger than our own…." The Office’s council brings together both religious and secular community leaders in support of community groups’ effort to lessen the burdens of poverty this time of economic crisis.

During his campaign, President Obama talked about the Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom Schools. The program works with local organizations, including numerous churches, to organize after summer programs for children and youth. It is just one example of the ways that communities of faith contribute to the greater good of our country.