Barack Obama actually said...

"I still believe it's a good idea to have a partnership between the White House and grassroots groups, both faith-based and secular."

"Make no mistake, as someone who used to teach constitutional law, I believe deeply in the separation of church and state, but I don't believe this partnership will endanger that idea."

"That's the kind of real progress that can be made when we empower faith-based organizations."

"The fact is leaders in both parties have recognized the value of a partnership between the White House and faith-based groups."