There is often more than meets the eye where politics and religion are concerned. Faith‐based initiatives are no exception. Using data from multiple sources, this book examines how and why states have been creating these policies and practices, revealing three key aspects of faith‐based policy implementation by states: appointment of state actors known as faith‐based liaisons, passage of legislation, and development of state faith‐based policy conferences. Despite the good intentions of some, faith‐based policies did not create significant new programs to help those in need. Instead these init ... More

There is often more than meets the eye where politics and religion are concerned. Faith‐based initiatives are no exception. Using data from multiple sources, this book examines how and why states have been creating these policies and practices, revealing three key aspects of faith‐based policy implementation by states: appointment of state actors known as faith‐based liaisons, passage of legislation, and development of state faith‐based policy conferences. Despite the good intentions of some, faith‐based policies did not create significant new programs to help those in need. Instead these initiatives were powerful political symbols used to reshape church‐state relationships and alter the distribution of political power, creating a system in which neither the greatest hopes of the supporters, nor the greatest fears of the opponents have been realized. Supporters hoped faith‐based initiatives would solve problems of poverty and an over‐burdened welfare system, while opponents feared rampant proselytizing with government funds.