An update from the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, an independent research
project of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The public policy research arm of the State
University of New York.

New! An Interview with Salam Al-Marayati of the Muslim Public
Affairs Council

Salam Al-Marayati is executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, based in Los Angeles.
Established in 1988, the group works to disseminate information to the American public about Islam
and Muslims, and to focus on civic engagement between the Muslim-American community and
government leaders.

As executive director of the Council for the last 16 years, Al-Marayati has spoken to interfaith
congregations, written numerous articles on topics including Islam, Middle East politics, and human
rights. He also works as an advisor to several political, civic and academic institutions seeking to
understand the role of Islam and Muslims in America and throughout the world.

He spoke to the Roundtable about the lingering effects of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on
Muslim American charities.

Click here to read the interview.

NEW! Congress Debates Non-Discrimination Bill's Exemptions for
Religious Employers

More than four decades ago, Congress passed a major civil rights bill that prohibited job discrimination
based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, and religion. It later passed laws protecting disabled
workers from employment bias. But, in what has perhaps been a sign of the times, federal laws have
not so far included a safeguard against another type of discrimination - that based on sexual orientation.

Last week, Congress began considering a bill - the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2007
- that that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It includes
exemptions for religious organizations. Legal experts testifying before Congress last week offered different
interpretations of how the bill would protect the religious liberties of faith-based employers while also
protecting workers from discrimination.

Click here to read more by Roundtable Correspondent Anne Farris.

Click here for the Roundtable's Resource Page on Hiring Rights of Religious Organizations.

Weekly Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community
Organization Eligibility

One grant opportunity was posted this week for which community and faith-based organizations are
expressly eligible. It is through a program administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Potential applicants should be aware that this grant program requires specific technical expertise, or
experience with particular foreign countries.

Click here for the grant digest, compiled by Roundtable Correspondent Allison Sarnoff with
Lisa Montiel.

Roundtable Digest of Current Faith-Based News Stories

Different faiths, same goal
Southeast Missourian (Missouri)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7033

Jury Consulted the Bible, But Death Sentence Stands
The New York Times (New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7034

Indy director keeps the faith: Her agency helps serve charities
The Courier-Journal (Kentucky)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7051

Three Important Developments Involving Law and Religion During The Summer Of 2007
FindLaw

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7044

Prisons Purge Books on Faith From Libraries
The New York Times (New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7045

Newcomers groups take some pain out of moving
The Cincinnati Enquirer (Ohio)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7035

Lending a hand of 'hope'
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7036

Catholic students sue UW over fees: Group says school won't let funds pay for activities
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7037

Hawaii groups want to turn ship into shelter
The Honolulu Advertiser (Hawaii)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7038

South Street residents say 'no' to drugs
Frederick News-Post (Maryland)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7039

Re-entry program for ex-cons seeks town's help
Kingston Daily Freeman (New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7040

Pastor aims to rescue non-violent offenders
The Lexington Herald Leader (Kentucky)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7041

Turban Searches Rile Sikh Community;
Rule Change Gives Airport Workers Wider Leeway in Screening Headgear
The Washington Post (Washington, DC)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7046

HUD official wants to share Exodus program with country
Hickory Daily Record (North Carolina)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7042

Grant will unite area drug-abuse programs
The Anniston Star (Alabama)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7043

Haven bottle drive will feed many homeless in need
The Battle Creek Enquirer (Michigan)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7015

Activist encourages Jews to serve
The Raleigh News & Observer (North Carolina)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7016

Cultural, Religious Learning Comes Under Fire
National Public Radio (NPR), SHOW: Tell Me More

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7017

Faith-based programs promote abstinence message
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7019

Gathering Inn to help homeless year-round
Auburn Journal (California)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7020

Christian Leaders Refuse Food to Cancel Debts
Christian Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7014

Chaplain: Hospital's bible controversy led to resignation
The New Journal (Delaware)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7026

Muslim sues O.C. over right to wear head scarf
Los Angeles Times (California)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7027

Christian Group Fights Expulsion for Foot Washing in Court
Religion News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7028

Churches May Get Pressure on Gay Tenets
The New York Sun (New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7029

TSA Responds To Sikh Screening Concerns
Religion News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7030

Orthodox Send Relief Supplies to Fire-Damaged Greece
Religion News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7021

Mentors helping turn around children's lives;
Program works with kids from families in which a parent is behind bars
The Albany Times Union (New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7022

Church Helps Woman Rebuild Heart and Home After Katrina
Religion News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7023

Churches bring Bible school to shelter
Kalamazoo Gazette (Michigan)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7024

Relief Agencies Offer 'Only Hope' for Iraqi Refugees
Christian Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7025

Weekly Opinion Roundup - 9/11/2007
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/news_opinion_9_11_07.cfm