My entire life I have supported and promoted the overall message of the Democratic party.

But there are still issues with which, in my heart, I completely disagree with the majority of Democrats.

For instance, I absolutely support faith-based initiatives and pro-life activists. On those issues I disagree with the Democrats, but on every other issue their stance is mine. As an inclusive party, the Democrats have room for disagreement and we accept debate.

That said, the point of this column is to discuss why I support faith-based initiatives — despite my party affiliation.

America has historically been a very religious nation. Public perception clearly gives the Republican party the advantage when it comes to speaking for people of faith. Whether Democrats want to acknowledge this fact, it remains true. This is becoming more important as Americans increasingly realize the hollowness of a consumer-driven life and search for greater meaning. Democrats will continue to lose ground if they cannot overcome this stigma and take back the progressive values of faith.

Yes, I said take back progressive religious values. Nearly every major social movement in American history had its roots in liberal faith-based organizations.

Try to imagine the civil rights, womens’ rights and abolitionist movements — even the American Revolution — without religious philosophy to underpin the hearts and convictions of activists.

As the party of liberal values, the Democrats have an obligation to support the work of faith-based organizations and their message of positive social change. In a country that has recognized the absolute primacy of faith, it is the only way to remain progressive.

Faith-based initiatives provide religious charities the opportunity to receive federal and state dollars to deliver federal social services.

With armies of committed volunteers, years of experience, and desire to serve all classes and races, faith-based organizations have proven superior to government agencies in providing some social services. This is especially true in drug and alcohol treatment, mentoring and the fight against homelessness. Organizations receiving federal money refrain from religious proselytizing.

Opponents of faith-based initiatives commonly base their argument in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

The First Amendment mandates that the United States’ federal government shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. In order to “not prohibit” the free exercise of religion, faith-based organizations offer a viable alternative for those who are seeking social services delivered by non-secular organizations.

And there many people who look to faith for answers. A 1995 Gallup Poll found that 86 percent of blacks and 60 percent of whites believed religion could help “answer all or most of today’s problems.”

Faith-based initiatives help suffering citizens find solutions that allow them to improve their lives by allowing these non-secular programs broader outreach. As a Democrat, I believe that we can find solutions to our worst social problems.

And, God willing, someday we can exchange our social safety net for a springboard and realize the promise of our democracy.

Clint Fichteris a graduate student in political science from Sidney. He is a member of the ISU Democrats.