Diverse Group to Advise Faith-Based Office

February 4, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: International Herald Tribune

Wire Service: AP

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/04/america/REL-Obama-Faith-Based.php

The Obama administration is set to announce a diverse set of advisers to a revamped White House office that will steer government money to religious and neighborhood groups doing social service work. They include a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Jewish rabbi active in Washington and a pioneering female African-American bishop.

The advisory council is scheduled to be introduced Thursday with the formal announcement of the new White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, according to a religious leader familiar with the details. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the details have not been announced.

Joshua DuBois, a 26-year-old Pentecostal minister who headed religious outreach for the Obama campaign, is to head the office, a senior administration official confirmed last week on the same condition.

The White House press office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday night.

According to the religious leader, the advisory group is a mix of leaders from the religious and secular world who have experience in social services. The group will convene at least twice a year.