On Thursday, Rod 2.0 noted President Barack Obama expanded the White House office on faith-based initiatives but has not rescinded the Bush Administration executive order that allows religious groups to discriminate, usually against gays and lesbians. Today, the president made an important step in the right direction by naming a black gay man to the Policy Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships—Fred Davie, the president of Public/Private Ventures.
Gay Politics reports, "Davie will provide objective, nonpartisan advice to the president on a variety of public policy matters, including strategies to increase the effectiveness of social services delivered by community and faith-based organizations"
Davie has a distinguished career in the public and private sector—including top positions in New York City government and at the Ford Foundation—and substantial expertise in neighborhood development and faith-based strategies. Davie, who has a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, is on the board of directors of the Auburn Theological Seminary and a trustee of the Calvert Social Investment Fund. Fred Davie should be a solid addition to the Policy Council and a fierce advocate for the gay and lesbian community. Good luck.
Some Background ...
Obama Calls for Expansion of Faith Based Initiatives, LGBT Community Has Concerns [R20]
Obama Will Expand and Rename Faith-Based Office [R20]
Report: "Abstinence Only" Policy Spreads HIV, Death [R20]
Bush Admin Funding Anti-Gay Groups in Uganda [R20]
How Do Churches Provide HIV/AIDS Support? [R20]
Should Homophobic Churches Receive HIV Funding? [R20]
Black Baptist Convention FINALLY Mentions AIDS [R20]
