Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative established under Braun order

Gov. Mike Braun issued Executive Order 26-06 creating the Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative to be run by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, which the order says will connect state government with faith-based groups on issues such as addiction recovery, prisoner reentry and family support.

A new executive order from Gov. Mike Braun established the Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative and assigned it to the office of Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. The order says the initiative is intended to encourage and support faith-based institutions in serving individuals, families and communities across the state. It authorizes Beckwith’s office to consult with experts and faith leaders to identify ways to reduce barriers to participation by these institutions. The order lists several focus areas where faith-based groups may play a role. Key details: - Executive Order 26-06 created the Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative. - The initiative is to be run by the office of Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. - Beckwith’s office is authorized to consult with experts and leaders of faith-based institutions to identify barriers to effective participation. - The order lists focus areas including civic engagement; substance use recovery; prisoner reentry; resilience through work and self-sufficiency; family strengthening; mentoring; principled morals and character; and support for foster parenting and adoption. Summary: The administration states it believes Indiana’s faith community can offer unique services and resources and that these institutions can serve in ways different from government, sometimes with effectiveness the order describes as exceeding government. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith posted that he is “humbled by his confidence” and wrote that the initiative aims to broaden collaboration between state government and faith-based partners. Undetermined at this time.