President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday establishing the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative within the Office of the President. 

The Executive Order, which coincided with the National Day of Prayer, requires consultation with faith and community leaders to address such issues as poverty alleviation, religious liberty, strengthening marriage and family, education, solutions for substance abuse and addiction, crime prevention and reduction, prisoner reentry, and health and humanitarian services. It recognizes the tremendous ability of these organizations to serve individuals, families, and communities.

Secretary Perdue commented on the initiative in a news release, saying “On this National Day of Prayer, I am gratified to join with President Trump to elevate the importance of our faith community in meeting the challenges facing our great nation.”  “These community leaders are in touch with their citizens and are often best equipped to offer insights on how to provide support and improve lives,” Perdue said.

“At the Department of Agriculture, we are already engaged with faith leaders on many fronts, including efforts to battle the growing opioid crisis in rural America. I commend the president for his support of the important work of the faith community and the recognition that government alone cannot solve every problem we face.”