World News
White House summit examines plight of urban faith-based schools
Published:
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Educators, school lobbyists and business and government representatives gathered at a White House summit April 24 to examine ways to reverse the trend of faith-based schools being closed in U.S. cities. Although the term "faith-based schools" was used throughout the day and representatives from a variety of religious schools were present, the majority of attendees represented Catholic schools, and many of the presentations focused on the benefit these schools provide, the reality of their closing and steps already taken to keep them open. The White House Summit on Inner-City Children and Faith-Based Schools included several panel discussions and an address by President George W. Bush, who told the group of about 250 participants at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington that faith-based schools in America's cities are "a critical national asset." "We have an interest in the health of these institutions," the president said, noting that he hoped the summit would highlight the problem and let people know "it's in the country's interest" to help these schools stay open.
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