Post by AuntieSocial on Nov 26, 2003 17:57:03 GMT -5
Clergy Named To State Council
Plan Links Social Services
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By: Frances Grandy Taylor
Published: November 25, 2003
Publication: Hartford Courant, Connecticut
Calling the separation of church and state an "over-used phrase," Gov. John G. Rowland Monday announced the formation of the Faith-Based Initiatives Council, designed to involve religious groups to a greater extent in providing social services.
"I've been in public life for the past 25 years, but I feel this is probably one of the most important things I'll ever do in public office," Rowland told an enthusiastic crowd that filled the small sanctuary of Youth Challenge International, a Hartford ministry founded more than 30 years ago to help people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
Last month, Rowland signed an executive order that created the council, to promote collaboration between faith communities and social service agencies. His executive order opened the way for churches and faith groups to receive state funding for providing services.
"This partnership, this coalition, is long overdue, and it's the right thing to do," Rowland said. "It's not about church and state. It's about reaching out to people in our communities who are stakeholders, and empowering them."
Clergy who will serve on the council include Rabbi Donna Z. Bogatz, of Congregation Sinai in West Haven; the Rev. Shelley Copeland, executive director of the Capitol Region Conference of Churches; the Rev. Richard DuVall, of First Congregational Church, Willimantic; Bishop Raul Gonzalez, of Glory Chapel Interdenominational Cathedral, Hartford ; Bishop William Lori, of the Bridgeport Diocese; the Rev. William Marotti, of New Life Church, Meriden; and the Rev. Perside Rivera-Mendez, of Iglesia Cristiana Nueva Esperanza, Plainville.
Five state commissioners also will serve on the council: Betty Sternberg, education; Darlene Dunbar, children and families; Patricia A. Wilson-Coker, social services; Peter O'Meara, mental retardation; and Thomas A. Kirk Jr., mental health and addiction services. Brian Mattiello, undersecretary of the state Office of Policy and Management, will chair the council, which is expected to meet on a monthly basis.
The purpose of the council is to assist in collaborations between faith communities and social service providers, provide training and technical assistance where needed, and make recommendations to make such collaborations more successful, including proposing changes in legislation.
Gonzalez, who founded and runs Youth Challenge International, asked more than a dozen former addicts who had been through the residential rehabilitation and community outreach program to stand during the press conference.
"A long time ago, I heard a saying, `Prayer is the key, but faith opens the door,"' Gonzalez said. "So prayer works."
Plan Links Social Services
Click here to read the article on the original site – Requires Free Registration
By: Frances Grandy Taylor
Published: November 25, 2003
Publication: Hartford Courant, Connecticut
Calling the separation of church and state an "over-used phrase," Gov. John G. Rowland Monday announced the formation of the Faith-Based Initiatives Council, designed to involve religious groups to a greater extent in providing social services.
"I've been in public life for the past 25 years, but I feel this is probably one of the most important things I'll ever do in public office," Rowland told an enthusiastic crowd that filled the small sanctuary of Youth Challenge International, a Hartford ministry founded more than 30 years ago to help people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
Last month, Rowland signed an executive order that created the council, to promote collaboration between faith communities and social service agencies. His executive order opened the way for churches and faith groups to receive state funding for providing services.
"This partnership, this coalition, is long overdue, and it's the right thing to do," Rowland said. "It's not about church and state. It's about reaching out to people in our communities who are stakeholders, and empowering them."
Clergy who will serve on the council include Rabbi Donna Z. Bogatz, of Congregation Sinai in West Haven; the Rev. Shelley Copeland, executive director of the Capitol Region Conference of Churches; the Rev. Richard DuVall, of First Congregational Church, Willimantic; Bishop Raul Gonzalez, of Glory Chapel Interdenominational Cathedral, Hartford ; Bishop William Lori, of the Bridgeport Diocese; the Rev. William Marotti, of New Life Church, Meriden; and the Rev. Perside Rivera-Mendez, of Iglesia Cristiana Nueva Esperanza, Plainville.
Five state commissioners also will serve on the council: Betty Sternberg, education; Darlene Dunbar, children and families; Patricia A. Wilson-Coker, social services; Peter O'Meara, mental retardation; and Thomas A. Kirk Jr., mental health and addiction services. Brian Mattiello, undersecretary of the state Office of Policy and Management, will chair the council, which is expected to meet on a monthly basis.
The purpose of the council is to assist in collaborations between faith communities and social service providers, provide training and technical assistance where needed, and make recommendations to make such collaborations more successful, including proposing changes in legislation.
Gonzalez, who founded and runs Youth Challenge International, asked more than a dozen former addicts who had been through the residential rehabilitation and community outreach program to stand during the press conference.
"A long time ago, I heard a saying, `Prayer is the key, but faith opens the door,"' Gonzalez said. "So prayer works."
