President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, expanding upon previous administrations’ faith-based initiatives.
At a National Day of Prayer event held at the White House Rose Garden on Thursday morning that featured speakers of diverse religious backgrounds, President Trump signed the executive order.
“The executive branch wants faith-based and community organizations, to the fullest opportunity permitted by law, to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, programs, and other Federal funding opportunities,” reads the order in part.
“The efforts of faith-based and community organizations are essential to revitalizing communities, and the Federal Government welcomes opportunities to partner with such organizations through innovative, measurable, and outcome-driven initiatives.
In his remarks at the Rose Garden event, Trump championed his administration’s efforts to protect the religious liberty of people both in the United States and overseas and labeled the executive order a “historic action.”
“The faith initiative will help design new policies that recognize the vital role of faith in our families, in our communities, and our great country,” stated Trump.
