President George W. Bush addressed the National Leadership of the Hispanic Faith Community at the White House, emphasizing the importance of faith-based organizations in addressing poverty and social issues across America. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to supporting faith-based initiatives through funding and policy changes, arguing that the government should recognize the unique role of religious groups in helping those in need without imposing restrictive regulations that could undermine their missions. Bush underscored the need for compassionate governance that partners with community leaders, valuing results over bureaucratic processes.

The President also called for bipartisan support in Congress to expand the reach of faith-based programs, drawing parallels to past social initiatives while stressing the necessity of avoiding dependence on government. He celebrated the commitment of faith leaders who work tirelessly to support the disadvantaged, vowing to remove bureaucratic obstacles that hinder their efforts. Bush concluded by expressing gratitude for the work of these “soldiers of the armies of compassion,” reinforcing the idea that the power of faith is a crucial component in the nation’s approach to social challenges.