Saperstein to Serve on Obamas Advisory Council on Faith-Based Issues "This unique opportunity will enhance the Reform Movements ability to speak out publicly and robustly, both when we agree and disagree with the White Houses policies."
Contact: Kate Bigam
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WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2009 - Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, was today named by President Barack Obama to serve on the new Presidents Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The advisory council will comprise 25 religious and secular leaders and scholars who will work with the newly re-envisioned Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which serves to mobilize community organizations, religious or otherwise, to provide effective social services. The official White House press release can be found here.
Of the appointment, Rabbi Saperstein said, "I am deeply honored to be asked by President Obama to serve on this advisory council to provide input on policies that will address a range of policy issues, including enhancing the role of community organizations in delivering services made possible through the economic recovery plan, finding common ground on reproductive rights issues, strengthening families, and expanding interfaith dialogue both domestically and internationally. This unique opportunity will enhance the Reform Movements ability to speak out publicly and robustly, both when we agree and disagree with the White Houses policies.
"The opportunity to have our voice heard in the decision-making processes before national policy is decided will further the Reform Movement core goals of tikkun olam, the repair of our world, in being a moral goad to the conscience of the nation and truly being able to speak truth (as best we understand it) to power."