US President Barack Obama on Thursday reached
out to believers of all faiths as he expanded the White House office of
faith-based partnerships, dpa reported.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Obama acknowledged
differences among religions, but stressed the common beliefs of all faiths to
care for others.
"Instead of driving us apart, our varied beliefs can bring us together to
feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife
and rebuild what has broken; to lift up those who have fallen on hard
times," he said.
"This is not only our call as people of faith, but our duty as citizens of
America, and it will be the purpose of the White House Office of Faith-Based
and Neighbourhood Partnerships that I'm announcing later today."
Former president George W Bush created a White House Office of Faith-Based
Initiatives that helped religious groups seek grants to provide social
services. Obama, who signed an order later Thursday creating his own programme,
is expected to keep a similar structure. He has also created a council of
religious advisors from various backgrounds to provide input on policy.
The office has drawn criticism for blurring the line separating church and
state, but Obama insisted his work would not favour religious groups over
secular ones but simply allow all organizations to provide services to their
communities.
Obama made an effort during his election campaign to reach out to religious
groups, even designating staff specifically to the task. He faced
controversies, however, over inflammatory statements made by his then-pastor
and rumours that he was a Muslim.
At the breakfast, Obama outlined his religious journey as the child of a Muslim
father who became an atheist and non-religious mother, and how he became a
Christian as an adult while working with disadvantaged residents in Chicago.
The breakfast draws thousands, including many legislators and religious
leaders, each year. Former British prime minister Tony Blair gave the key note
address, speaking of religion's attack from extremists within and
non-believers.
Haitian President Rene Preval, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski
and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam also attended.