March 7, 2006 Executive Order

Someone at AMERICAblog posted the following link in the comments section:

Executive Order: Responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security with Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

I really enjoy AMERICAblog, though I don't always agree with all of the opinions of the authors or commentators. There's some really warped senses of humor there as well, which I enjoy too. So when I saw the link, and the brief quote, I thought it was a joke. I followed the link and sure enough, it's real.

And I went what the fuck?!

The Department of Homeland Security will now be responsible for creating faith-based communities centers and initiatives.

Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In carrying out the purpose set forth in section 2 of this order, the Center shall:

(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procure-ment, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;

(b) coordinate a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate faith-based and other community organizations in Department programs and initiatives to the greatest extent possible;

(c) propose initiatives to remove barriers identified pursuant to section 3(a) of this order, including but not limited to reform of regulations, procurement, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities;

(d) propose the development of innovative pilot and demonstration programs to increase the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal as well as State and local initiatives; and

(e) develop and coordinate Departmental outreach efforts to disseminate information more effectively to faith-based and other community organizations with respect to programming changes, contracting opportunities, and other agency initiatives, including but not limited to Web and Internet resources.

Is there anything the Department of Homeland Security isn't responsible for?

Off to email questions to Senators and Representatives.

Not that they'll answer.