Faith

Obama‘s Faith Advisory Council Has ’Gone Dark’ & Stagnant as Fight With Religious Groups Ramps Up

Obamas Faith Advisory Council Has Been Stagnant

It’s no secret that President Barack Obama is facing an uphill battle among people of faith. Sure, some religious progressives may agree wholeheartedly with his administration’s decision to mandate that religiously-affiliated institutions violate their consciences. But the resounding voices standing against this regulation and speaking out in favor of religious freedom may pose quite a problem for the nation’s leader as he seeks out a second term in November.

(Related: Beck’s Europe Trip Sets the Stage for Religious Freedom Coalition & Int’l Tea Party Movement)

At a time during which Obama could desperately use the support of faith leaders, it seems his council of religious advisers, much like his relations with Catholic leaders, has gone, as Politico notes, “dark.” While his initial weeks in office offered people of faith the promise that he would be in-tune with their needs, it seems the structure of religious leadership he had setup and assembled with great fanfare has since dwindled and gone unused. Politico has more:

The president’s first Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships delivered a 163-page report in March 2010 and then disbanded. The second council has waited more than a year for a full slate of appointees and has yet to meet. And the hottest issue — whether religious groups that receive public money can discriminate in hiring — remains unresolved more than three years after Obama promised to address it.

Obamas Faith Advisory Council Has Been Stagnant

In Feb. 2011, Obama did nominate 12 faith leaders to the new council, but the full group cannot meet until all of the slots are filled. Despite its clear stagnancy, Joshua DuBois, Executive Director of The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, has spoken as though the initiative is still active and of great importance to the administration.

“President Obama continues to expand and strengthen faith-based initiatives and the faith-based advisory council is an important part of that effort,” he said in a written statement. “Advising the president on our ongoing partnership with faith-based groups and other nonprofits around the country is critical and we are committed to ensuring they have as much impact as possible.”

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the chair of the first council, though, is speaking quite differently. In fact, he calls the Advisory Council, “the mysterious, disappearing faith-based council.” Politico notes that the lack of activity taking place on the faith front, especially the notion that the council has been floating around in uncertainty, is particularly notable considering the administrations ongoing battle with the Catholic Church.

Obamas Faith Advisory Council Has Been Stagnant

The fallout from the contraception mandate has given Republican candidates a boilerplate to portray Obama as a president who attacks religion and cares little for First Amendment liberties. Also, GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum, among others, has been fervent in questioning Obama’s personal faith. Faith leaders like the Rev. Franklin Graham have recently made some intriguing comments about Obama’s Christian faith as well.

Had the council of faith leaders been available to advise the president throughout this recent storm, perhaps the administration could have anticipated some of the backlash it received. Apparently, following the Jan. 20 announcement of the mandate, some of the original members of the council came forward and pressed the White House to reconsider its stance.

“It would have been the council’s role to weigh in, and we did individually,” explained Arturo Chavez, president of the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas, and an original council member. “There was a failure somewhere in really weighing the consequences of this, and I don’t think the president was advised sufficiently about the consequences with the faith community.”

Obamas Faith Advisory Council Has Been Stagnant

While others reflected this same sentiment, Politico provides more background information about the council’s power and influence, particularly over policy decisions:

Any kind of formal action by the full council wouldn’t have been likely, given its narrow mandate to focus solely on how government can improve its partnerships with faith-based and nonprofit groups — controversial issues such as abortion and religious hiring were deemed off-limits from the start, irking some members. But individual appeals to the West Wing were always welcome, administration officials said.

The Advisory Council was announced in 2009 as a continuation of President George W. Bush’s faith initiatives. Additionally, Political notes that Obama may have also used its formation to push against the notion that Republicans are better at connecting with religious communities. Politico continues:

Obama envisioned the council as the conduit for bringing a broader spectrum of ideological and religious voices into an overhauled Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which had been criticized in the Bush administration as too focused on directing money to conservative groups that could turn out voters. Obama’s initial appointees — a former Southern Baptist Convention leader, a Hindu, an Indian-American Muslim, progressive Jewish leaders and an openly gay nonprofit head, among others — gave it the feel of an unusual Washington experiment worth watching.

That experiment, though, isn’t active enough to judge and by all accounts — at least at the moment — can only be described as ineffective and neglected. Yet many leftist faith leaders continue to defend the president on the faith and religion front. Last week, a conference call was held and many of those leaders who support the president‘s policies spoke as though the council hasn’t lapsed in its operations.

Obamas Faith Advisory Council Has Been Stagnant

Photo: Shutterstock

The Rev. Peg Chemberlin, president emeritus of the National Council of Churches, for example, said that the administration’s relationship with the faith community is stronger than ever. Additionally, she touted a supposed record number of partnerships with faith-based groups. The White House, too, sees the council — at least the original one — as highly effective, saying that 70 percent of its recommendations have been enacted.

Regardless of what happens with the second council, Obama has an uphill battle among people of faith. In addition to the contraception drama, the administration also attempted to challenge religious leaders’ ministerial exemption. Earlier this year, officials lost this battle after asking the Supreme Court to throw out long-standing legal precedent that protects religious organizations from governmental regulations and intrusions.

We‘ll have to wait until November to see the full impact of the president’s handling (or mishandling, depending with whom one is speaking) of faith issues, though it seems there are still plenty of religious progressives who are willing to defend his devotion to faith.

(H/T: Politico)

Some images provided by Shutterstock

Comments (226)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:22pm

    Heh, yeah! Right on!

    It is all just an unguided accident don‘t ya’ know….

    The ironic thing is you feel you are so much more rational and wise than us foolish Christians…Yet you are so blind you cannot even fathom how ludicrous your lack of belief in an intelligent creator actually is. Rock on…

    Report Post »  
  • Redmanblackdog
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:21pm

    Muslims believe it is ok to lie to infidels.

    Has Obama been lieing? It appears so to me.

    He lets Christians die and be persecuted across the world as he apologizes to the muslims, and gives them support.

    Barack “whose insane” Obama, he is an Obamanation. The antichrist.

    Report Post »  
    • LouC57
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:34pm

      Yep, you’re right. The man is beyond evil, though I doubt he’s the Anti-Christ. (Personally, I think the A-C could be google in disguise ;)

      Report Post »  
    • EZDOZIT
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 2:22pm

      The real christ“Jesus” traces his lineage though his mother the virgin Mary and the jews though Sarah. So why would’nt the anti-christ do the same? Obama’s mothers ancestors are from the old Roman Empire, that’s where the Holy Bible says he will come from. Who’s your mama?

      Report Post »  
  • Harry Assenback
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:19pm

    I actually feel a little sorry for you.

    Report Post » Harry Assenback  
  • PPMStudios
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:18pm

    His faith council has “gone dark”?

    Wow a writer or producer on ESPN would’ve been fired for that one!

    Report Post » PPMStudios  
  • chips1
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:17pm

    Obama is “dancing with the Devil in the pale moonlight”. Must have bats in his belfry.

     
  • Redmanblackdog
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:17pm

    What you see is what you get.

    Liberals want

    To kill babies!

    Have sex with animals!

    Sell guns to drug cartels!

    Let illegal aliens rob the state coffers with schools, hospital visits, prison terms, deportation costs, and destroy legal americans property

    Let black panthers intimidate voters at the polls

    Destroy our economy with skyrocketing energy costs as Obama promised (remember)

    Trample the constitution, by infringing on religious freedom, freedom of speech and mandated healthcare

    Bring legal proceedings against States who are trying to protect their citizens and their land.

    Destroy or naitonal security by diminishing our armed forces as the world becomes more dangerous

    Continue to run up the national debt, by spending our hard earned tax dollars on frivilous programs and refusing to cut any of them as our country continues down the path of destruction!

    And you know in your heart that these are only the tip of the iceberg that is headed for this Titanic of a nation

    GOD, PLEASE BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Report Post »  
    • PPMStudios
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:40pm

      You’ve pretty much nailed it! Good post!

      Report Post » PPMStudios  
    • DarkWolf
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Unfortunately God can’t bless what He is being removed from. More like “PLEASE, GOD SAVE AMERICA”!

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:00pm

      The anti Obama ads practially write themselves … now will SOMEONE with a PAIR run against this man .. I fear Romney is not the one to do it .. he has said as much!

      OMG 2012!
      Santorum 2012

      Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:17pm

    I love it when a bad thing goes bad! All the more so when its something from this administration. Everything is falling apart for the left.. 11 solar manufacturing companies down the tubes, the Volt is a piece of garbage, so much so they will offer $10,0000 to buyers. all of course at the taxpayers expense and sweat. Now that doesn‘t mean he won’t try something else.. we must stay vigilant and remove Obama from office ASAP! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • PPMStudios
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Agreed Abby. The entertaining part is waiting to hear the ‘spin’..

      Report Post » PPMStudios  
    • cloudsofwar
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:09pm

      @ abby………….. don‘t worry he’s cooking up something. assasins plot foiled by Obamas administration. they tried to kill me because i’m black. vote for me unless your a racist.

      Report Post »  
  • countryfirst
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:14pm

    The only faith Obama has is in Islam and an uninformed voter.

    Report Post » countryfirst  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:19pm

      nailed it.

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
    • DirectlyUnPCman
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Obama’s faith has gone dark? Is that a black joke? Does some writer need to lose his job?

      Report Post » DirectlyUnPCman  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:20pm

      Well said.

      Report Post »  
    • Copper Catfish
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:00pm

      I think he believes that HE is God. He is too much of a narcissist to think that there is any Being superior to his own awesomeness.
      What a pathetic creature he is!

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:07pm

      I don‘t care what Obama’s faith is – I did not Vote for Obama – My faith is as Bright as the “Bright and Morning Star” – My Lord “stickest closer to me than a brother” and I’m not about to let this President or any other President try and re-crucify Jesus at the cross again while I still am still breathing.

      I don’t need a Union, Politician, Government, or Char to tell who do believe in. I will not leave my savior for Free Heath Care, Birth Control pills, Abortion, Welfare, Food stamps or any other any other program designed to get voters to sell their souls.

      I will put on my whole armor of God and defend my faith – my Savior – my Eternal life – to the death if I must.

      What I am saying is that I am not a “Sell Out” to my faith, Savor, America, or my family.

      Report Post » db321  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:17pm

      I agree with COPPER the only religion he believes is himself and the worship of his image. As in he wants to remake America in his image.

      Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:13pm

    He was a mulsim growing up – fact
    You do not leave the Islamic religion – ask the Iran christian preacher – who is sentenced to death for converting to Christianity.
    Dreams from my farther – I stand with my Muslim brothers.
    This is why all Barry‘s records including his and Muchelle’s college papers etc have been closed.

    Wake – up and pay attention

    Report Post »  
    • POdVet
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 2:24pm

      Probably also why the contraception mandate was introduced. Less Christians having kids, just means less people his Muslim Brotherhood friends have to murder.

      Report Post »  
  • RayOne
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:10pm

    ‘Seek the counsel of the first NaNa’. His problem is presentation, among other things.

    Report Post » RayOne  
  • nando nyc
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:06pm

    central govt statism is his religion.

    Report Post » nando nyc  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:05pm

    The contraceptive controversy that George (the little dung beetle) Stephanopoulis started appears to be blowing up in the left’s faces. The dung ball has reversed course and is starting to crush those MSM bugs. How fitting! Hahahahahaha!!!!

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • momprayn
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:04pm

    Obama is the one that is “darK’ (not referring to skin color) — spiritually — like Darth Vader……but no, unfortunately not very stagnant. He’s marching on down the road of destruction, not only for himself but hoping to bring the country with him and his demonic friends. I do pray for them all – but I also pray for this to end and justice and truth prevail very, very soon. There is so much corruption & crimes to be exposed…so much evil has been done and is being planned. People are starting to worry if we will any elections at all….I‘m sure they’re very capable to cause/manufacture some crisis and call martial law – who knows.
    It‘s just common sense to know that they won’t want to give up their power now…they’re right on the edge of total success with a win this Nov. Meanwhile, they are trying to get everything passed they can get away with, taking full advantage of our cowardly Congress, politicians and an election year.

    Report Post »  
  • mastercabinetman
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:02pm

    As described in the Koran, you can lie, decieve and manipulate the infidel to achieve the goal of Islams dominance. the issue that really gets me is that Obama slipped up and said in the 08 election interview with George Stephonopolis “ my muslim faith” and George corrected him and said “ you mean your christian faith”. Not once in my life did i ever forget my faith. You are a liar Mr. Pres.

    Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:02pm

    BHO’s true colors are showing!!!!….meaning he never had any FAITH!!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • doomytram
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:02pm

    As bad a President Oblamer has been, especially, to the Poor and Middle classes. You would think that the Black voters that have been utterly decimated by Oblamer’s leftist failures would have come up with “Black Americans for Anybody but Obama” – Instead they are jumping off the commie cliff with Oblamer …. over Class warfare etc.

    The Rich, White, Snobbish side of Oblamer is a real jerk…. the black side of em is more of a lying commie shill… so both sides of his mouth are lies, more lies, and lying statistics.

    Report Post » doomytram  
    • kegbuna
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:08pm

      Could you point to specifics? I want to make sure I know how Obama has decimated the poor and middle classes with his “leftist failures”.

      Report Post » kegbuna  
    • cloudsofwar
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:22pm

      @ keg……. by spreading the so called wealth around he has driven us further into debt. by starting class warfare, by supporting OWS. by attacking our churchs, by Obama care which will raise taxes on us all. by wanting to raise taxes on small bussiness causing layoffs.by his worship of the state and wanting for us to do the same. i’m sure there are plenty more examples. i reject obama and his beliefs and policies.

      Report Post »  
  • Texas woman56
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:59am

    We have our own faith council and that is God. We need to all be praying everyday that God will help us take back this country.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:57am

    I‘m starting to think Obama didn’t miscalculate anything about making mandates the Catholic church couldn’t live with. He saw the Catholic church shut down Catholic adoption agencies in Massachusetts when the state mandated they grant adoptions to gay couples. They may be hoping Catholic healthcare services do the same so the Feds can take over the Catholic hospitals etc. They just may deem them “too big to fail” and take them over “for the greater good” of the people.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Spyderco
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:10pm

      Good point. I was thinking similarly.

      Report Post » Spyderco  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:40pm

      it’s classic Cloward-Piven. Overburden the system, make it too “hot” for your enemies to function efffectively. We keep forgetting, Obama taught the principles of Alinsky and Cloward-Piven in his favourite job as community organizer.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 7:22pm

      @Gonzo
      Very interesting. I hope you don’t mind but I sent your post to Glenn Beck.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:55am

    lol the progessives see racism in thier bowel movements…racism is a joke now…its mainstream..look at all the race pimps at messbc…..

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:50am

    .
    Obama‘s Faith Advisory Council Has ’Gone Dark’ & Stagnant……

    So what’s this Gone Dark business? Sounds a little Racist to me……

    I Hope somebody steals your Prayer Rug………..

    SpankDaMonkey  
    • DoughyInTheMiddle
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 6:45pm

      LOL, that was the first thing I thought of. “Has gone dark” is right up there with the linsanity of “***** in the armor”.

      Report Post » DoughyInTheMiddle  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:48am

    Obama no longer cares about perceptions; he has torn the mask off his actions for all who are willing to see and stand against the darkness that encompasses his every deed. He is now using the IRS and other means of pressure to try and coerce those of faith who will stand up against him – shortly it will turn to the use of unlimited detainment and then fire and steel to shed blood.

    If he gets into office for a second term, or seizes absolute power the devastation he will unleash on the nation will be comparable to Stalin and Mao in their purges and revolution.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Anonymouse.
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 2:03pm

      All you ever do is echo whatever your master Glenn says. I truly believe you lack the ability to think and reason for yourself. You’re a sorry individual snowleopard. Did you chew crayons when you were little?

      Here. I wrote this song for people like you. Enjoy!

      http://soundcloud.com/beckisnuts/03-glennis-the-menace

      Report Post » Anonymouse.  
    • Downsouth
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 2:59pm

      @ Anonymouse

      For someone who hates Glenn Beck, you sure do comment on this site a lot. Hmmmm. Seems like you may have a little troll running through your blood.

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:10pm

      mouse=meaningless…aka insaneom..

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymouse.
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:29pm

      I’ve been here longer than any of you gullible goobers, except maybe Snowleopard. You goofballs come and go, but beckisnuts is always here watching Glenneth get crazier by the week.

      http://soundcloud.com/beckisnuts/03-glennis-the-menace

      Report Post » Anonymouse.  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:42am

    And we are suprised because? This man is the greatest traitor to the constitution we have ever seen elected, so what makes anyone believe he wouldn’t throw his own “faith” council under the bus, after all he’s thrown America there.

    Report Post »  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:55am

      I‘m not under any bus I’m riding it. Get on the bus there is room for all

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • paleoman
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:16pm

      Who wants to get on a HELL bound bus with abunch of NUTS & BOLTS zithead. You probly are doing fine in your mommy’s basement.

      Report Post »  
  • mycomet123
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:42am

    I think that Mr Obama could care less what the people of faith think! He has already positioned this country in a one way collision coarse with hell & only by divine intervention can this world be saved!.

    Report Post »  
  • RightThinking1
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:41am

    “..promises were soon to be belied by the creation of the Hitler’s Youth
    (Hitler-Jugend) movement led by Baldur von Schirach, a homosexual married
    to the daughter of Hitler’s personal photographer and a declared atheist
    who placed the State ahead of all else, who regimented the German youth and
    raised them in a total absence of religious doctrine. The only God of the HJ
    was Hitler and his views were their Credo. Period. The aim of the Nazis was a
    total dechristianization of the young Germans.”
    http://schikelgruber.net/religion.html

    Report Post »  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:40am

    code words-gone dark?

    Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:50am

      Thanks for sniffing out the racism for us. We can always count you liberals!

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:00pm

      hairy noggin – glad to see you finally agree with me

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:08pm

      LOL, that’ll be the day. You do know that‘s not my picture don’t you S.H.?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:19pm

      noggin- really?

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • paleoman
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:24pm

      We used to work with iron workers, we called them Iron Heads. The only head that you have is the head you give. Your mommy is calling time for your nap.

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:42pm

      GONZO, When you cast light on evil, it’s detractors will try to besmirch, or sideline you with false accusations. We know that you are in no way racist, but are a realist. Most of us also know that Delta India Charlie Kilo-head is a little evil troll. Just ignore him, unless you are like me and sometimes enjoy poking a turd with a stick just to see what happens.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:06pm

      Really S.H., I’m not nearly that conservative looking.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • drago
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 2:49pm

      @Gonzo.
      What did i say about arguing with encinom?And yes steelhead IS encinom, wonder if he ever wonders how i know?………

      Report Post »  
    • TakeBackAmerica
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:09pm

      Oh you guys are too fuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnyyyyyyyy!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 6:22pm

      Don’t feed the trolls. And expect an invasion of trolls to coincide with their planned Springtime revolution.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
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