Bush: Nation needs 'religious freedom in action'

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- President Bush traveled to the cradle of democracy on the Fourth of July to urge Congress to give new life to his proposal to give religious groups more tax dollars so they can provide social services.

"Those who hold positions of power should not be wary or hostile toward faith-based charities or other community groups which perform important and good works," the president said.

The House of Representatives is expected to debate the issue and vote on it next week when lawmakers return from their holiday break.

Critics have charged that the president's proposal to give tax dollars to groups that blend their religious beliefs with social services is a violation of the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state.

Bush said the founding fathers who gave Americans "religious freedom in principle" would be proud of the religious groups who show the country "religious liberty in action" by working to help the homeless, the hungry and the drug-addicted.

"Religious liberty is more than the right to believe in God's love; it is the right to be an instrument of God's love. Such work is beyond the reach of government and beyond the role of government," he said.

He urged Congress "to pass laws promoting and encouraging faith-based and community groups in their important public work and to never discriminate against them."

"These soldiers in the armies of compassion deserve our support. They often need our support," Bush said. "And by taking their side, we act in the best interest and tradition of our country."

Bush gave his speech in front of Independence Hall not far from the Liberty Bell, which he noted was cast to mark the 50th anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, which contained one of the first guarantees of religious freedom in the American colonies.

Earlier, Bush visit a neighborhood block party organized by groups that help troubled youth. The president, dressed in a blue button-down shirt and dress pants, sans tie, took time out to play quarterback in a game of touch football with some of the kids.