Barack Obama, arguing that it makes sense for the federal government to partner with religious organizations to solve social problems, said yesterday he wants to continue President Bush's initiative to promote "faith-based" social welfare programs.

"Few are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques," he said. Such partnerships can take place without violating the Constitution, he said. "I believe deeply in the separation of church and state."

Obama delivered his speech after touring a community ministry in Zanesville, Ohio. The speech, designed to showcase long-held views on the value of faith-based programs, came a day after he spoke about patriotism.

Obama acknowledged that he "did not grow up in a particularly religious household," but changed because of his work as a community organizer in Chicago. "I came to see my faith as being both a personal commitment to Christ and a commitment to my community," Obama said.

The senator praised Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives but said that it "never fulfilled its promise" because the administration "consistently underfunded" social service programs for the poor. Obama said he'd replace the Bush program with a Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "The new name will reflect a new commitment," he said.

A key goal for Obama: providing summer education programs to 1 million students. The senator's campaign said it would cost $500 million annually and that the money would come from "cutting wasteful spending."