Reception Welcomes Faith-Based Director

May 7, 2009

Author: Hamil R. Harris

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050601513.html

The John A. Wilson Building was filled with prayers, gospel music and clergy from across the area as D.C. Council members hosted a welcome reception for the Rev. Joshua Dubois, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

"You are honoring me, but I honor you," said Dubois. President Obama wants to work with the faith community, Dubois said, by "connecting community-based groups with the economic recovery, advocating responsible fatherhood and healthy families, reducing unintended pregnancies and the need for abortions and promoting interfaith dialogue."

Dubois, who has worked as an associate pastor for a small Pentecostal church in Massachusetts and holds a master's degree in public affairs from Princeton University, was named to the White House post at the end of January. He ran religious outreach for Obama's presidential campaign and worked for him in the Senate.

"We can't do this without partnering with faith-based groups, churches, synagogues, temples and mosques right here in the District," Dubois said at the gathering Thursday evening. "You all know what works; you have the model, because you do it each and every day."