Continuing a recent dialogue among the city’s faith-based organization leaders, clergy and local government officials, approximately 100 people attended “Collaborations and Partnerships Building Communities,” at DePaul University’s John J. Egan Urban Center May 21. The conference was designed to explore the multifaceted issues surrounding faith-based community development.

Keynote speaker Mary Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Bethel New Life, Inc., a faith-based community development organization serving Chicago’s West Side, offered her unique national perspective on the day’s subjects. Nelson was present at the White House for the recent announcement of the establishment of an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. While she praised the new office as a step forward for faith-based initiatives, she sought to dispel some common myths about it as well.

“You’re all in this room because you think there’s some new government money out there for you,” she said. “Well, let me say this clearly – there is no new money. This is a moment of opportunity for our organizations, but there are no new dollars – just the chance to be in competition for the federal dollars already out there.”

Nelson added that there are essentially three goals of this new White House office. The first is to remove regulatory barriers so that faith-based initiatives have equal opportunity in applying for federal funding. Also, the office hopes to expand the scope of the charitable choice legislation that has been in effect since 1996. Finally, the office will seek to stimulate donations from private sources to community development programs.

In addition, Nelson outlined some of the main regulations that faith-based initiatives will need to follow in order to receive federal funding. While she is a strong believer in the power of faith-based community initiatives -- describing faith as the “anchor that makes us who we are,” -- Nelson stressed that they should not be a substitute for the government’s role.

“We have to make sure that the government is not released from its obligation to do justice for all people, both to fund and ensure that this is a nation for all citizens,” she said. “The last thing we want is the government telling private and faith-based charities to take over the whole thing.”

She also cautioned those in attendance not to lose sight of their mission or vision at the prospects of some federal money.

“Government funding is complex,” she explained. “You may want to turn down funding in some instances if you feel it’s too convoluted, or if there are so many regulations you feel you can’t do the initiative and stay within your mission.”

Lastly, Nelson issued a wake-up call to those in the faith-based community who believe that the opening of the White House office is the end of the battle.

“We are not done,” she said. “We still live in an era when poverty is a crime, where prison is a housing program, where having a gun is a right and where college is a privilege. Until we get America to re-examine those priorities, we are not done… we have the money and the know-how in this country to make sure that no one is living in poverty. We just don’t have the political will to get it done right now.”

Later in the day, a panel discussion looked at different church-state, financial and sociological aspects of faith-based community development programs. The panel, moderated by the Egan Urban Center’s Executive Director Michael Bennett, included DePaul law professor Rev. Craig Mousin, head of the university’s Center for Church/State Studies; Omar McRoberts, professor of sociology at the University of Chicago; and Rev. Jesse Knox of Chicago’s Church of the Good Shepherd.

Mousin said that the government approach to faith-based initiatives has shifted in recent years, allowing these organizations more opportunities.

“The current environment says that if you can do the public service, then let’s look at the issue of your organization’s (faith-based) background based on fairness and neutrality,” he said.

McRoberts added that his research has shown that faith-based organizations can be successful if they adapt to change and broaden their scope.

“The most promising faith-based initiatives are ones that can operate locally but also work across neighborhoods,” he said. “They can do the sticks and bricks work but can also mobilize for political action when needed… they embrace the full range of tactics available to activist religious institutions.”

The day began with Rev. Lorri Baldwin’s reading of a moving prayer written by Msgr. John J. Egan shortly before his death May 19. The prayer epitomized Egan’s commitment to social justice and Vincentian ideals.

“I beseech you, dear God, to enable the people guiding this effort to better serve the poor of our nation, the unemployed, the mothers of children and all those who have fallen through the cracks in our society,” Egan wrote. “Help us to be aware of your goodness to us, strengthen our desire to work as effectively as possible to ease the pain of the poor and give them comfort, sustenance and hope for the future.”