Faith and Opportunity (E.O. 13831)

Summary

Sets up the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative to make sure religious and community groups have a fair chance to get government funding and support.

What problem does this solve?

Faith-based groups sometimes face barriers when trying to partner with the government. This order creates a special office to help remove those barriers and give these groups a voice in the White House.

What does this order do?

Creates the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative

Establishes a new office in the Executive Office of the President to lead efforts to partner with faith-based and community organizations.

Renames existing government offices

Changes the names of several offices, like the 'White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives,' to 'White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.'

Identifies barriers for religious groups

Tasks the new initiative with finding and suggesting ways to reduce rules and other barriers that stop faith-based groups from working with the government.

Reports religious liberty concerns

Requires the initiative to tell the Attorney General about any concerns from faith groups that the government is not protecting their religious freedom.

Cancels previous executive orders

Revokes Executive Order 13199 and Executive Order 13498, which established earlier versions of this office and its advisory council.

Who does this affect?

Faith-based organizations
Community organizations

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures fair access for faith-based groups

Helps religious and community organizations compete on a level playing field for federal grants and contracts, recognizing their ability to serve communities.

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Raises church and state separation concerns

Critics may argue that creating a specific White House office for faith groups could blur the line between church and state by giving religious organizations special access to government resources and policymaking.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of its signing on May 3, 2018.